Agusan del norte: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. received an enthusiastic reception from children and staff at a Child Development Center (CDC) in Barangay La Paz, Santiago, Agusan del Norte. The visit took place after he handed over 71 patient transport vehicles in the city.

According to Philippines News Agency, the CDC facility is operated by the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Caraga (DSWD-13) under the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan - Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) program. Completed in 2023, the center provides a safe learning environment for children and supports 148 households with a budget of PHP3,045,187.

Marcos was joined by DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian and Undersecretary Monina Josefina Romualdez. They were warmly received by DSWD-13 Director Mari-Flor Dollaga, Santiago Mayor Zenaida Lim, and La Paz Barangay Captain Benjamin Lim Jr.

The DSWD-13 highlighted the President's visit as a chance to emphasize the KALAHI-CIDSS program's role in enhancing access to social services and boosting community involvement in development. Due to connectivity challenges at the center, Marcos provided a Starlink internet system to improve digital access for learners and community members.

Additionally, the President distributed school bags to CDC students, signifying the government's dedication to advancing education and inclusion. He engaged with the children in a storytelling session and expressed gratitude to community volunteers who contributed to the center's construction.

The KALAHI-CIDSS program employs a community-driven development strategy to ensure people-focused progress by offering assistance, capacity-building, and support to poverty-stricken and disaster-affected municipalities. Community members actively engage in identifying and prioritizing issues, and they design, implement, and manage solutions to address these challenges.