Janiuay: Residents of remote barangays in the Municipality of Janiuay, Iloilo, are expressing their gratitude for the infrastructure projects implemented through the Kapitbisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS). These projects have provided safe access and have been instrumental in preventing potential loss of lives during adverse weather conditions.
According to Philippines News Agency, Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian recently visited two bridge projects constructed under the KALAHI-CIDSS initiative. The 15.05-meter Carigangan Bridge in Barangay Carigangan and the Kuyot-Calmay Hanging Footbridge in Barangay Kuyot have significantly improved connectivity and safety for the local population.
Hena Epakta, a community volunteer since 2004, recounted the difficulties faced by residents of Barangay Carigangan before the construction of the Carigangan Bridge. The community had to rely on a bamboo hanging bridge to cross the Magapa River for daily activities, including attending school and transporting goods. Epakta expressed relief that the KALAHI-CIDSS project has made the community feel safer, especially during heavy rains. The bridge's importance was underscored during Typhoon Frank in 2008 when a resident's life was saved by holding onto the bridge post until the floodwaters receded.
Carigangan chief tanod Arnel Tuyo also shared his experiences, emphasizing the importance of the bridge in facilitating market access and expressing gratitude for the project's durability, having withstood several typhoons, including Yolanda.
National Program Manager Bernadette Mapue-Joaquin highlighted that these projects are among the earliest of KALAHI-CIDSS, constructed with limited funding and community-provided labor. She stressed the initiative's aim to empower communities by allowing them to identify and implement projects, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility for their maintenance.
The Kuyot-Calmay Hanging Footbridge in Barangay Kuyot, completed in 2019, serves as another vital link for nearby barangays. Ulysses Tama±o, a teacher at Calmay National High School, recalled the challenges faced when the Suage River's water level rose, often preventing students from attending school. The new bridge has alleviated these issues, ensuring continuous access even during rainy periods.
