Iloilo: Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian inspected two major projects implemented under the Kapitbisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) in the remote barangays of Janiuay, Iloilo. Gatchalian emphasized the need to assess their impact on recipient communities as part of preparations for the Panahon ng Pagkilos-Philippine Community Resilience Project set for 2026.
According to Philippines News Agency, the projects under inspection included the Kuyot-Calmay hanging footbridge in Barangay Kuyot and the Carigangan Bridge in Barangay Carigangan. These projects were launched in 2004, with the Kuyot-Calmay Bridge costing PHP4.22 million and the Carigangan Bridge over PHP1.6 million. Both were identified using a community-driven development approach and have been operational for over two decades.
Gatchalian noted that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. approved the next phase of funding for the coming year, aiming to extend development to even the most remote barangays. Local government units of Concepcion, Carles, San Joaquin, and Lemery are among the recipients of the Panahon ng Pagkilos-Philippine Community Resilience Project next year.
During his visit, Gatchalian also engaged with beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) to explore ways to enhance its implementation, with a focus on beneficiaries who have graduated. Additionally, he attended an exhibit showcasing projects under the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) to identify success stories for replication.
Gatchalian highlighted the importance of enhancing the SLP as a means to alleviate poverty. He also participated in the launch of the Community-Driven Development (CDD) Day in Iloilo, a province recognized for embracing this approach in program implementation. Provincial Ordinance No.2025-336 designates every Wednesday of September as CDD Day in Iloilo.
Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. underscored the province's development strategy, which combines a convergence approach with the Bagong Pilipinas whole-of-nation initiative of President Marcos. Defensor assured the provincial government's readiness to collaborate with the DSWD, including providing support for KALAHI initiatives.
