Surigao Sur communities enjoy completed projects through DSWD Kalahi-CIDSS

Posted on October 25, 2019

The multi-purpose building is one of the three infrastructure projects turned over by the DSWD Kalahi-CIDSS Caraga to San Agustin, Surigao del Sur. This building was particularly established in Barangay Hornasan.

SAN AGUSTIN, SURIGAO DEL SUR – The Department of Social Welfare and Development, through the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) formally handed over three infrastructure projects to the communities of Barangay Gata, Barangay Hornasan, and Barangay Buatong in San Agustin, Surigao del Sur.

A 1 unit, 2 classroom elementary school building was turned over to Sitio Banate, Barangay Gata while two multi-purpose buildings were handed over to Barangay Hornasan and Barangay Buatong. These projects were identified by the community as the projects which will address their barangay’s priority needs.

Abraham Terado, Barangay Sub-Project Management Committee (BSPMC) Chairperson of Barangay Gata, said that the elementary school building was the perfect solution to Sitio Banate’s problem on lack of classroom buildings.

*Datu Pedilia Alvizo holds the key of responsibility during the turnover ceremony in Sitio Banate, Barangay Gata and commits to contribute in maintaining the new school building.*

“Karon di na maglisod among mga estudyante gikan kinder hantod grade 6 dinhi kay aduna nay dugang nga classrooms. Dili na sila mag guot sa mga classrooms nila (Our students from kindergarten to grade 6 will no longer be uncomfortable cramming in class with the addition of these new classroms),” Terado said.

In 2017, a 1 unit, 2 classroom school building was also implemented by the Kalahi-CIDSS through the Classroom Construction for Lumads (CCL) Project in Sitio Banate. Now, the two elementary school buildings are situated beside each other. These projects were identified by the community during the conduct of the Participatory Situational Analysis.

Elementary School Teacher Rhea Lubrico also showed her elation with the construction of the multi-purpose building in Barangay Hornasan. She narrated that because the barangay neither had a function hall nor covered court, they would be forced to conduct their school activities under the scorching heat of the sun.

*Similar to Barangay Hornasan, Barangay Buatong has also identified the establishment of a multi-purpose building as their top need as their covered court will be affected by the road widening project.*

“Pasalamat gyud mi kay naa ni ang multi-purpose building. Naa nami lugar para sa among mga school activities nga duol lang pa gyud sa among eskwelahan (We are grateful to have the multi-purpose building in our barangay. Finally, we now have a place to conduct our school activities since it is near our school presmises),” Lubrico expressed.

The newly-turned over projects were implemented through the Kalahi-CIDSS Makilahok Project, also called Participatory Local Governance: Barangay Development Planning and Management Capacity Enhancement Initiative. This project is centered in organizing guidelines on barangay development planning, management, and enhancing participation of community members in local government activities through the Community-Driven Development (CDD).

San Agustin Mayor Libertad O. Alameda graced the turnover ceremony and she reminded the communities of their responsibility in taking good care of these projects.

*The children of Sitio Banate flash their bright smiles and raise their hands to show their happiness in having a new school building.*

“Now that these projects have been turned over to us, it is our main responsibility to maintain and sustain these so that we will be able to enjoy it for a long time. We are grateful to the DSWD Kalahi-CIDSS Caraga for choosing and including the municipality of San Agustin in the program implementation. Rest assured, San Agustin will continue its utmost commitment and support to Community-Driven Development,” Mayor Alameda concluded.