La Castellana:Two significant community projects, a hanging bridge and a classroom building, are set to invigorate two villages in La Castellana, Negros Occidental, with a combined investment of approximately PHP10.6 million.

According to Philippines News Agency, the projects were inaugurated by Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian, Mayor Anejo Nicor, and Fifth District Representative Emilio Bernardino Yulo. These initiatives are part of the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) program.

The hanging bridge, located in Barangay Robles, cost PHP6.454 million and was completed through a collaborative effort involving community resources and participation. It includes a local contribution of PHP1.731 million in both cash and in-kind. The bridge will benefit approximately 5,215 households, or 20,367 residents, providing safer and more accessible connectivity across the river to essential services.

In Barangay Sag-ang, a new two-classroom school building was inaugurated at the Sag-ang Integrated School, costing PHP4.118 million. The KALAHI-CIDSS funded PHP4.045 million of the project, supplemented by PHP73,000 from municipal and barangay sources. Mayor Nicor noted that the facility will offer students a more conducive learning environment.

La Castellana, severely affected by Typhoon Tino in November 2025 and ongoing volcanic activity from Kanlaon Volcano, stands to gain from these infrastructure developments. The DSWD highlighted that these projects exemplify the principle of community-driven development, allowing communities to directly address their needs and build infrastructure that benefits both present and future generations.