BONTOC, Mountain Province – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) – Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), in partnership with the Bontoc Local Government Unit (LGU), conducted deliberation of proposed projects to allocate funds for the joint Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) and PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn- Indigenous Peoples Community-Driven Development (PAMANA IP-CDD) programs on June 6, 2024.
These programs, KALAHI-CIDSS and PAMANA IP-CDD, are essential initiatives focused on poverty alleviation and peace promotion through community-driven development, particularly within Indigenous communities. It empowers local communities to identify, plan, and implement projects that address their most pressing needs.
During the session, representatives from four barangays presented their project proposals. These proposals were evaluated by the Bontoc LGU, the Municipal Development Council (MDC), and three representatives from the Barangay Representation Team (BRT) of each barangay.
Barangay Samoki officials and representatives proposed the Construction of Level 1 Water System at Sitio Makhalas to Sitio Sadlan, Samoki. They emphasized the need for an independent water source to prevent disputes with other barangays because the barangay currently relies on external sources for its water supply.
Similarly, Barangay Tocucan proposed a project titled Construction of Level 1 Water System at Sitio Iyek to Amcawa, Tocucan, emphasizing the persistent water shortage and the urgent need for a local water system to meet daily requirements.
Meanwhile, Barangay Maligcong proposed the Improvement of Footpath at Sitio Fang-orao, Maligcong, relaying feedbacks from tourists visiting Kupapey and the benefits that the project would bring to residents, particularly senior citizens and children.
Lastly, Barangay Bontoc Ili proposed the Construction of Drainage Canal cum Pathway at Sitio Fatayan, Bontoc Ili. Punong Barangay Eva Mila Fana-ang explained that the absence of a drainage canal has led to an increase in dengue cases, particularly affecting the children in their barangay.
After the presentations of the four barangays, DSWD facilitators finalized the scores from the panel of judges. The projects were assessed based on urgency of needs, environmental impact, sustainability, peace and order, community participation and implementation, number of beneficiaries and number of women who will participate in the development project.
The results were announced at the end of the one-day meeting. Barangay Maligcong’s proposal, costing Php 941,010.888, secured first place.
Barangay Tocucan came in second place with funding amounting to Php1,085,000.
Barangay Samoki which came in third place declined the remaining Php373,989.12 as it could not meet the required counterpart funding. As a result, 4th placer Barangay Bontoc Ili accepted the remaining funds.
Bontoc Mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr., expressed gratitude for the inclusive process, commending the participatory approach that allows communities to directly voice their needs and collaborate with the government and other stakeholders for meaningful change.
Also, he appealed to the proponents or the barangays to respect the decision of the panels of judges. By Shannon Anthea S. Pagaduan