Of Dreams and Smiles: Success Stories of Locally Funded Projects of CAR by DILG Cordillera Administrative Region

Of Dreams and Smiles Success Stories of Locally Funded Projects

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT Cordillera Administrative Region

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Cordillera Administrative Region Our

Vision

A strongly determined and highly trusted Department committed to capacitate and nurture local government units, public order and safety institutions to sustain peaceful, progressive, and resilient communities where people live happily.

Our

Mission

The Department shall promote peace and order, ensure public safety, strengthen capability of local government units through active people participation and a professionalized corps of civil servants.

Our

Mandate

To promote peace and order, ensure public safety, and further strengthen local government capability aimed towards the effective delivery of basic services to the citizenry.

Quality Policy

We, the DILG-CAR, commit to embrace competence, integrity, responsiveness and dedication in empowering and nurturing our LGUs to become resilient, progressive, business-friendly, and socially protective through excellent PPAs for the progress of our Region and the happiness of the Cordillerans. We pledge to continually improve the effectiveness of our Quality Management System to provide the highest quality service compliant to applicable legal requirements by Stepping Up to Challenges and Changes thru Excellent and Sustainable Strategies.

ABOUT THE ISSUE

EDITORIAL BOARD Consultants ENGR. MARLO L. IRINGAN, CESO III ARACELI A. SAN JOSE, CESO IV DAISY A. PAYANG JOHNNY L. MAUTING

This compilation of the Locally Funded Projects (LFPs) covering the Performance Challenge Fund (PCF), Bottom-up-Budgeting (BuB), Assistance to Disadvantaged Municipalities (ADM), Assistance to Municipalities (AM) and the Sagana at Ligtas na Tubig para sa Lahat (SALINTUBIG) would like to send accross untold stories of successes, hopes and changes that are behind every completion reports, monitoring reports, project launchings and ribbon cuttings. It would want to speak out in behalf of the beneficiaries who are now enjoying life changing events and experiences that the Programs and Projects of the Department of the Interior and Local Government has provided them. It would want to express life changing stories, heartfelt gratitudes, deep down emotions of gratefulness so as to inspire, continue uplift lives and bring positive changes to the lives of the Filipino People.

Associate Editors HAZEL G. BANDAS JAEMIE R. CHUA Template and Design HAZEL G. BANDAS Layout HAZEL G. BANDAS JAEMIE R. CHUA ARIS A. COLINTAS ALLAN F. OCAL Contributors DILG - ABRA DILG - APAYAO DILG - BENGUET DILG - IFUGAO DILG - KALINGA DILG - MT. PROVINCE Credits to: Development Management Officers 2017-2019 Community Development Officers 2017-2019 Engineers 2017-2019

MESSAGE from The egional irector

MARLO L. IRINGAN, CESO III

armest greetings from the majestic mountains of the Cordilleras!

It is with pleasure that we share with you this coffeetable book containing the success stories and inspiring testaments of the people in the grassroots who are the primary beneficiaries of the different projects implemented by the Local Government Units thru funds managed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government. Footbridges that facilitate bringing the sick to the hospitals, local access roads that make it easier to transport goods and produce to the market, evacuation buildings where the people are sheltered in times of disasters, and water systems for source of potable water to make the communities less vulnerable to waterborne diseases, drainage canals that will mitigate flooding, these so called locally funded projects have helped uplift the lives of our people in the Region. We commend the LGUs featured in this book as well as the other stakeholders who have given their share for making sure that the projects were implemented accordingly. Let us continue work together in serving the communities as we toil with utmost PRIDE, undying PURPOSE and unconditional PASSION for the happiness of the Cordillerans.

Mabuhay!

The

MESSAGE from ssistant egional irector

ARACELI A. SAN JOSE, CESO IV

armest Greetings!

The Department of the Interior and Local Government â&#x20AC;&#x201C; CAR continuously provides support and capacitates the local government units to enrich the state of living of the Cordillerans through the different locally funded projects. This coffee table book would attest that together, we are able to bring what the communities truly need. These are their stories... of our communities.. of our fellow Cordillerans... stories of hardships and how they were able to surpass their challenging situation. The completed projects are their answered prayers. The key players in these folios relate first-hand experiences and their heartfelt gratitude on how the government made a difference in their lives. As you read on, may each of you get Inspired and Engaged.

TABLE OF CONTENTS 7 8 10 12 13 14 16 23 28 34 40 45

FEATURE STORIES Stories of Hope and Success from the Highlands of the Cordilleras Water is Life for Conig, Alno Residents Forging Relationships Through Roads to Progress Roads to Development Evacuation Center Serves as the Midpoint of Safety, Learning and Gathering The Improved Road to Ngibat

STORIES FROM PROVINCES Stories from the Province of Abra Stories from the Province of Apayao Stories from the Province of Benguet Stories from the Province of Ifugao Stories from the Province of Kalinga Stories from the the Mountain Province

Project: Local Foot Bridge Project Location: Patoc, Bucay, Abra Amount: Php 6,487,589.00 Funding: Assistance to Municipalities (AM 2018) Beneficiaries: 759 Population

Stories of hope and success from the Highlands of the Cordilleras Cultivating Lives, Building the Future

Water is Life

for Conig, Alno Residents

Written by Lorena A. Santiago, Municipal Government of La Trinidad Photos by Dennis Billanes, Municipal Government of La Trinidad

ater is lifeâ&#x20AC;Ś so says an old adage. Thus, in communities like Sitio Conig, in Barangay Alno, La Trinidad, Benguet, the Bottom-up Budgeting (BUB) project for the provision of domestic water supply is a lifeline. Aside from providing the community with access to domestic water, the project has helped address issues on poverty, health and sanitation particularly the incidence of waterborne diseases, as well as gender equality.

Project: Provision of Domestic Water Supply Location: Sitio Conig, Barangay Alno, La Trinidad, Benguet Amount: Php 3,000,000.00. Funding: Bottom-Up Budgeting (BUB 2016) Beneficiaries: 190 household beneficiaries

The Community Based Monitoring System or CBMS, shows that Barangay Alno is among the top 7 barangays in the municipality with limited access to domestic water supply, along with barangays Beckel, Lubas, Puguis, Shilan, Tawang and Wangal. . The project, though implemented by the DILG and the Municipal Government of La Trinidad, has forged partnership agreement with Barangay Alno and the Conig Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Association for its implementation and sustainability. The Barangay Officials of Barangay Alno diligently identified the water source and negotiated agreements

with the respective lot owners. The eventual operations and management of the domestic water system have been placed on the hands of the local women’s association. The actual construction of the project was implemented by the Municipal Engineering Office in close coordination and consultation with the La Trinidad Water District (LTWD). The LTWD provided technical support particularly in the design of the project and identification of appropriate materials for the project; as well as, closely monitored the project’s actual construction. The Municipal Health Office through its Sanitation Section conducted the water sampling and submitted the samples to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to test the presence of bacteria at the water source. The samples came out as negative of bacteria. The Municipal Environment and Natural Resources

Office (MENRO) also explained to the community the importance of environmental protection and waste management in protecting the water source so that future generations may still enjoy access to potable water. The Municipal Government of La Trinidad paid for the fees in the application of water rights permit and the initial bacteriological and chemical tests of the water samples. Through the Water and Sanitation Council (WatSan), the Municipal Government of La Trinidad provided continuous technical assistance for the beneficiaries. Aside from the cost of the project, which included development of the water source, two (2) water tanks and provision of distribution pipes, the WatSan conducted various capability building trainings like plumbing skills, bookkeeping, operations and management, environmental protection, and strategic planning.

The WatSan and the Municipal Cooperative Development Office are also assisting the Conig Women’s Association to convert itself into a Cooperative, not only to ensure sustainability of the project, but also to help the members in augmenting their family income. However, just like any organization, the organization have undergone its share of birth pains, particularly in the identification and collection of user’s fees. This resistance was due to the members’ belief that the water is free as it comes from nature. Thus, during the community consultation for the project, the WatSan Technical Working Group presented the components of the project particularly the project’s need for maintenance and sustainability. The consultation was able to help the members of the community to come out with an agreed system on user’s fees. The Sangguniang Barangay of Alno also offered their support to help in sourcing funds for maintenance, with the condition that the households abide by the rules of the Women’s Association who will manage the domestic water system.

The women’s group currently has 32 members from the 35 households in Sitio Conig. The group is headed by Mrs. Soline A. Tovera, who diligently leads and organizes the community, including the continuous education of her co-members on their role in the project. To this day, a number of the households have paid their monthly user’s fee of P25.00 per household and provided for their own pipes from the main pipe to their homes. Though only a few paid their dues, all members of the Sitio are however given access to the water supply. The support of the community, however divided, along with the continuous assistance and encouragement of the barangay and municipal governments, continue to encourage the women leaders to sustain the project along with hopes to expand its services in the near future to nearby sitios like Bekkes and Suyo.

Forging Relationships through Roads to Progress

#melaylapu

oad system is one of the major forces in the development of a certain locality. Access road condition helps determine how far a certain locality could go in terms of progress and sustainability. Hence, the improvement of the Halag-Itab Road in the Municipality of Aguinaldo, Ifugao specifically Sitio Zigzag Core Local Road is highly appreciated.

“Hindi lahat ng ending malungkot dahil minsan it is the beginning

of something BEAUTIFUL AND BREATHTAKING - like this view of the “Itab Rolling Hills” at the end of the paved Zigzag Core.”

Project: Local Access Road Location: Sitio Zigzag, Itab, Aguinaldo, Ifugao Amount: Php 1,500,000.00 Funding: Assistance to Disadvantaged Municipalities (ADM 2017) Beneficiaries: 107 households

No doubt that Barangay Itab has always been rich. It has wide array of pasture lands, rich natural resources, beautiful sceneries with great potential for tourism industry aside from being the host communities of the Magat Dam. However, Itab is still among the poorest barangays in the municipality based on the 2016 Community Based Monitoring System (CBMS) survey due to its being the farthest barangay from Poblacion. Although agriculture is the main source of income, the people were limited to till their lands for subsistence due to the difficult access to markets. The Halag-Itab Road, most specially the Sitio Zigzag section, connecting it to its neighboring urban town is only passable during dry season as during wet or rainy season, only few types of vehicle could pass. Some of which even needed to be tugged or pulled by passengers. The improvement of the Sitio Zigzag Core Local Road, specifically the 90 meters paved road, offers great opportunity to the people of Barangay Itab to maximize the utilization of their agricultural/idle lands since accessibility of markets significantly improved. The

improved road condition has shortened travel time especially in the delivery of basic government services to the area. In addition, it has minimized road-related accidents and provided convenience to the traveling public. Furthermore, tourism industry in the area has seen potentials since adjacent to the Sitio Zigzag Core Local Road is the “Itab Rolling Hills”, among the identified potential tourism sites in the municipality. There may be other factors directly affecting the improvement of the living conditions of the people of Barangay Itab but certainly, one of the main influences is the improvement of their access road. Economic situation of Itab has significantly improved over the past few years. Volume of agricultural products from Itab like rootcrops (kamote and galyang) have doubled and good trading relationship between farmers of Itab with the neighboring urban towns of Alfonso Lista, Ifugao and Ramon, Isabela has been established. Indeed, no man is an island. The established economic relationship of Itab with neighboring urban towns through the improvement of the core local road has contributed to the upliftment of the living condition of its people.

[ ]

Local Roads] is very encouraging and enabling. Farmers are encouraged to increase their agricultural outputs due to the promise of market accessibility. We believe that the improvement of the whole stretch of the Halag-Itab Road is not far from reality as well as the additional infrastructure improvement like water systems, multi-purpose drying pavement and electrification of unenergized sitios of Itab”.#

“Travelling to Barangay Itab has never been this fun”, says Marvin when he saw the road improvements since he has been to Itab before the improvement of the Zigzag Core Local Road.

“No one can resist the urge to take selfies when you pass by the Zigzag Core Local Access Road and finally witness the mellow “Itab Rolling Hills”.

Hon. Jimmy Bil-agon, Punong Barangay of Itab says, “A taste of government services in the Barangay through infrastructure [like the Zigzag Core

“ROADS to DEVELOPMENT” (Municipality of Pudtol ADM FY 2017) by: DILG-Apayao

ood roads mean faster development. This has been proven in the case of the Province of Apayao. When it started as a new province, it was the Top 2 Poorest Province in the country. The leadership of Apayao, upon its assessment on how to alleviate poverty, lobbied for more funding and prioritized the concreting of all major roads since the province is endowed with rich natural resources where agriculture is the cornerstone of the province’s economy. Roads are the channels of the locality’s economic growth. Roads are the links of farmers or producers to local markets, workers to jobs, pupils and students to a better education and the sick to the medical facilities. In 2017, through the new program of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF)-Assistance to Disadvantaged Municipalities (ADM) Program, the municipalities of Pudtol and Luna were granted assistance to address the needs of the people. In the Municipality of Pudtol, three (3) Local Access Roads were implemented and completed located at Borromeo St., Barangay Alem, Poblacion-Cabatacan Section Road and Barangay Poblacion in the amount of Php 4,800,000.00 . In the Municipality of Luna, its eight (8) barangays - Poblacion, Capagaypayan, Dagupan, Tumog, San Jose, Quirino, Shalom and San Francisco, benefited and were granted Local Access Roads in the amount of Php 9,496,000.00. With these road projects, travel time and expenses in transporting goods and services have decreased and the populace have easier access. These convenient accessibilities brought incessant joy to the residents. These projects tremendously improved the lives of the people. Likewise, entrepreneurial life has improved and people are healthier and happier. Every day is always a welcome day to enjoy. With the improved roads, it is now gaining headway as it is solidifying its position as the rice, corn, banana and pineapple basket of the North. Undeniably, Apayao is maximizing its agricultural productivity, and better quality of life among the populace especially the farmers is observable. As of now, Apayao is no longer in the list of Top Poorest Provinces in the country. Thanks to the good roads.#

EVACUATION CENTER SERVES AS THE MIDPOINT OF SAFETY, LEARNING AND GATHERING by: CDO Jesus Fernan Alagao

illaviciosa, Abra – “We need a place where we can be safe and gather and which can also serve as a common place for the people of Villaviciosa in times of calamities”, said Mayor Marjorie Lagen as she thanked DILG for considering Villaviciosa as one of the beneficiaries of the Bottom-up Budgeting (BUB) for year 2016. In August 2015, Typhoon Ineng made a big impact in the municipality of Villaviciosa specifically in Barangay Tamac after a big landslide hit the barangay and its surrounding areas. It was an unforgettable experience that shook not only the municipality but also the whole Cordillera. As the disaster hit the place, the residents flee from their homes and made new settlement on safer grounds. Old folks and children were even evacuated in Poblacion particularly at the Central School where they stayed for several days because Typhoon Lando immediately followed. In 2016, the municipal officials along with the representatives of Civil Society Organizations realized the heightened need of an establishment that could cater to the needs of the community in times of calamities and disasters, and serve the residents from remote barangays who need temporary shelter. Hence, the Local Poverty Reduction Action Team of Villaviciosa composed of municipal officials and functionaries and representatives of CSOs identified the construction of Evacuation Center as one of the projects to be funded under the 2016 BUB.

To make the project possible, a total of Php 2,550,000.00 was allocated with Php 2,500,000.00 coming from the BUB fund and Php 50,000.00 as LGU counterpart. During the construction of the project, the Municipal Engineer, Municipal Local Government Operations Officer, CSO partners and the BUB staff assigned in DILG-Abra frequently visited the site to ensure that the project is implemented following government standards in the construction of evacuation centers. The Municipal Government ensured the sustainability of the project by alloting maintenance funds out of its budget. The Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (LDRRMO) was designated to be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the constructed Evacuation Center. At present, the facility is being utilized for disaster emergencies, trainings and meetings. Training on the Barangay Newly Elected Officials and that of Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils; and meetings of the Senior Citizens, Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program are just some of the actual activities conducted in the totality. The center is also utilized as a temporary lodging house for people from the remote barangays who get stranded or have unfinished business or transactions in various offices and institutions in Poblacion. The project was turned over by the DILG under the leadership of DILG–CAR RD Marlo L. Iringan and DILG–Abra PD Millicent B. Cariño, to the local officials, functionaries and representatives of CSOs of Villaviciosa on May 26, 2017.#

THE IMPROVED ROAD TO NGIBAT

n line with the attainment of the Philippine Development Plan’s goals of inclusive growth and poverty reduction, and promoting good governance at the local level, the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) was introduced to increase citizens’ access to local service delivery and to strengthen government accountability in local public service provision. A total of PhP 11,500,000.00 was allocated

Project: Improvement of Access Road Location: Barangay Ngibat, Tinglayan, Kalinga Amount: Php 1,000,000.00 Funding: Bottom-Up Budgeting (BUB 2016) Beneficiaries: 288 households

for the Municipality of Tinglayan for fiscal year 2016 under the LGSF to fund 11 identified priority projects. One of the projects was the “Improvement of Access Road” with an allocation of Php 1,000,000.00. It aimed to lessen the agony of constituents from Barangay Ngibat in travelling the rough and rugged condition of their road, worse during the rainy season. Albert B. Gayyaman, 70 years old, said that

the completed project was a great help for farmers like him as they can now traverse the road easier with their heirloom produce and other agricultural products like coffee and banana to be traded in Poblacion, Tinglayan. Likewise, Pedro Bumon-as, 65 years old, stated, “it is but appropriate to thank the National Government for the funds that were downloaded to the LGUs to improve the necessary services needed by the community.”

The completed project in improving the road to Ngibat is a testimony that the government is doing its part, contrary to what most people think that they are being left behind by the government. The completion of the project has a great impact to the constituentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; arduous walking in a terrain impassable by a public utility vehicle. It has also eased them from traversing the muddy portion of the road that had long been a burden to many. In addition, it lessened the time of difficult travel to at least 10 minutes as compared before.#

â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is but appropriate to thank the National Government for the funds that were downloaded to the LGUs to improve the necessary services needed by the community.â&#x20AC;?

The

Province of

Abra

bra is a landlocked province located on the western side of the Cordillera. It is bounded by Ilocos Norte and Apayao on the north; Mountain Province and Ilocos Sur on the south; Kalinga on the east; and Ilocos Sur on the west. Abra was created as a politico-militar province in 1846. Prior to which, it formed part of the old Ilocos Province and later to Ilocos Sur when Ilocos was divided into two provinces in 1818. Civil government was established in Abra on August 19, 1901, but in February 1905, it was re-annexed to Ilocos Sur. Abra remained a subprovince for 12 years, regaining its status as a regular province only after the passage of Act No. 2683 on March 9, 1917.

The Province of Abra is composed of twentyseven (27) municipalities, namely: Bangued, Boliney, Bucay, Bucloc, Daguioman, Danglas, Dolores, La Paz, Lacub, Lagangilang, Lagayan, Langiden, Licuan-Baay, Luba, Malibcong, Manabo, PeĂąarrubia, Pidigan, Pilar, Sallapadan, San Isidro, San Juan, San Quintin, Tayum, Tineg, Tubo and Villaviciosa.

Project: Small Water Impounding Project Location: Poblacion, Lagayan, Abra Amount: Php 3,000,000. 00 Funding: Assistance to Disadvantaged Municipalities (ADM 2017) Beneficiaries: 190 households

Project: Construction of Flood Control Structures Location: Baragays Labaan, Poblacion and Palang, San Quintin, Abra Amount: Php 11,290,000.00 Funding: Bottom-Up Budgeting (BUB 2016) Beneficiaries: 825 beneficiaries

FLOOD CONTROL PROJECT LEADS TO A BETTER LIFE By: LGOO II Alfrainer F. Partido based on the story of MLGOO Normita Venus

“The

incredibly destructive power of water unleashed can seriously imperil the future of our town for many years to come. That’s why it’s important that we deal with this situation now through construction of disaster resilient infrastructures before serious flooding could devastate our communities and their source of living” quoted Mayor Amador Diaz of the Municipality of San Quintin.

These plights of farmers are huge agricultural challenges for a municipality, like San Quintin, in the ongoing effects of climate change for a country where sunlight and rainfall are the main considerations for crop production which is one of the economic drivers in San Quintin. Climate change could prove to be a big challenge as the agriculture sector bears mostly the burden of the negative impacts.

The year 2016 was one of the rainiest years yet with extensive rainfall across the province of Abra. Farmlands were negatively affected by the excessive downpour. The complete extent of the detrimental effects of the flooding have not been fully assessed. However, many farmers lost thousands worth of crops. It is observed that the time is directly proportional to the increase on area covered by the river during rainy season. It means that every year, there is a decrease in the area of riverbanks as it is being reached by water surface during rainy season.

Mr. Joel Magalem, a resident of Barangay Labaan, San Quintin, Abra said in an interview that “Every year, our ricefields where we plant our corn have decreased in area because it was eroded due to the increased level of water from the river during typhoons causing it to deteriorate”. One of the main goals of the Municipal Government of San Quintin is to deliver social services and assure safety to life and property of their constituents. The Municipal

Government of San Quintin found a way to address these consequences being suffered by the constituents. And as a solution, they prioritized climate change resilient projects in the form of gabion walls that serve as flood control structures and provide protection to lives and properties of their people. The infrastructure project is the “CONSTRUCTION OF FLOOD CONTROL STRUCTURES” amounting to Eleven Million Two Hundred Ninety Thousand Pesos (PhP 11,290,000.00) which had been constructed on intermittent sections along the riverbanks in Barangays Labaan, Poblacion and Palang, San Quintin, Abra in year 2016 as mitigating measure. Said amount came from the BUB-Local Government Support Fund (LGSF). The project was implemented by contract and has opened opportunities to residents for temporary employment. The most obvious advantage of the defenses, in fact its very purpose, is to control floods. The beneficial effects were found to be increased area of flood-free secured land for agriculture, livestock, settlement, industry and infrastructure. This was tested over time and has helped save lives as well as livelihoods and properties during the previous typhoons that caused

floods. Mr. Jessie Padilla of Barangay Palang, San Quintin, Abra underscored that “the flood control has helped a lot during the past years since its completion because it reduced hazards from river floods.” Mr. Rogelio Vergara, a resident of barangay Poblacion, San Quintin, Abra added that this gabion project has helped the farmers of the beneficiary barangays maintain the yield of their crop production. Both beneficiaries thanked the DILG in behalf of their community for the project being implemented. They said that economic prosperity of San Quintin will continue to improve now that their crops and properties are protected. Hearing these words from the project beneficiaries made DILG realize that the local government unit together with the Department have been able to once again deliver social services in the form of infrastructure projects to the benefit of their constituents whom they are all working for towards a better community. This inspires the DILG and the LGU to do more and give back to the people.

As public servants, it is our duty to assess and provide the needs of our people despite of the challenges or hindrances we may be encountering. The only way to achieve things is to try, and in trying, there are lots of things that come to our mind. Our decisions depend on how we perceive things. And I believe there are three types of person classified according to perception. An anonymous writer once said “An optimist will tell you the glass is half-full; a pessimist will tell you, the glass is half-empty. But an Engineer will tell you the glass is twice the size it needs to be.” We are all engineers in our own little ways. In serving our people, we must carefully consider and weigh things then have the courage to always try things that we know are beneficial to our constituents so that we can serve them the best way we are supposed to.#

“The flood control helped us a lot since its completion because it reduced hazards from river floods.” 19

SALINTUBIG PROJECT POURED HOPE TO BENEFICIARIES By LGOO II Alfrainer F. Partido with reports from CDO Cherryl Allopog

he Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), in its effort to bring clean and accessible water for all, is implementing water system projects in remote municipalities. The municipality of Tineg in 2016 was a recipient of "Sagana At Ligtas na Tubig Para sa Lahat (Salintubig)" with an amount of Php12,000,000.00. The fund was equitably allocated to the barangays that are least fortunate in the access to potable water; namely: Anayan, Belaat, Naglibacan, and Alaoa. The projects are solar-powered potable water system serving a total of 825 beneficiaries covering 165 household and 234 schoolchildren including day care pupils.

The project also provided temporary source of income for the local residents during its construction phase.

The implementation of the projects were never easy. Transportation of materials to be used for the projects was one of the pressing problems due to the status of road networks. Barangays Anayan, Belaat, and Naglibacan belong to the interior barangays located at the northern part of Tineg that do not have roads and are reachable only through trekking. Other barangays still have

unimproved roads and not passable during rainy seasons. Despite these hardships, the local government unit and the barangay beneficiaries worked together for the water system. Women and children helped in carrying materials in at least 2 hours to 1 day hike going to the project sites. These projects somehow provided temporary employment but lasting convenience to the beneficiaries. After the construction of the water supply system, the people are very grateful that they already have an accessible and potable water supply system. Subsequently, there are improvements in the health conditions of the affected community freeing them from diarrhea and water-borne diseases. It has also improved attendance of school children. The watersystem empowered and capacitated the recipient barangays in implementing, operating, managing and sustaining water supply facilities through the organization of their operation and maintenance committee. The community residents were very willing to pay a fifty pesos (Php 50.00) yearly contribution to support the operation and maintenance of the project.

“We hope that DILG will never cease to imple-

ment this kind of project as we move forward because we want to bring betterment to the lives of our communities and give them access to the most important necessity - water.” - Mayor Corinthia D. Crisologo

“We hope that DILG will never cease to implement this kind of project as we move forward because we want to bring betterment to the lives of our communities by giving them access to the most important necessity - water”, said Mayor Corinthia D. Crisologo as she thanked the Department for not only providing water projects to the municipality but also for being her helping hand in giving hope to the municipality. DILG-CAR Regional Director Marlo L. Iringan appealed to Tineg residents during the project’s inauguration and turnover to take good care of the project so that it will benefit them for a long time.

Project: Waterystem Project Location: Barangays Anayan, Belaat and Naglibacan, Tineg, Abra Amount: Php 12,000,000.00 Funding: Bottom-Up Budgeting (BUB 2016) Beneficiaries: 165 households, 234 school children

Tineg is a remote town of Abra which has long been experiencing hampered development. Despite being a 2nd class municipality based on income classification, the poverty incidence is still at 43.2% (2012 PSA). This is due to either poor road conditions or absence of road networks of barangays that gravely affects the economic prosperity of the town. Poor roads deprived the constituents to the opportunities to access basic services and support programs/ projects supposed to be provided by the government like potable water supply systems among others. Serviceable water systems that would provide them potable water were barely present in the barangays causing them drought and afflicting the residents with water borne diseases.#

SAFE AND RESILIENT REFUGE BUILT FOR MANABO With reports from CDO Cherryl Allopog

typhoons and floods. Most evacuees tend to experience issues on health, safety and discomforts in using temporary shelters.

hrough the Assistance to Disadvantaged Municipalities (ADM) which was administered by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), a 1-storey Reinforced Concrete Evacuation Center located at Barangay San Juan Norte, Manabo, Abra with a floor area of 240 sqm was completed. This spacious evacuation center can serve evacuees with basic amenities such as potable water supply, electricity, comfort rooms for men and women, kitchen and dining area. The building serves the people of Manabo, Abra especially those from barangays along Abra River which are barangays Luzong, San Jose Sur, San Jose Norte, Catacdegan

Nuevo, San Juan Sur, and San Juan Norte. The construction started on June 5, 2017 with an allocation of Php 3,373,000.00 and was completed on September 13, 2017. The beneficiary barangays experience hazards during rainy season because they reside near the Abra River which causes flooding during typhoons and frequent rainfalls. Prior to the construction of the evacuation center, residents only had schools and the municipal gymnasium to take refuge/shelter to during

Punong Barangay Marites Obngayan of San Juan Norte is very thankful for the ADM Program saying, “Malaki ang aming pasasalamat sa ating pamahalaan at binigyan tayo ng proyektong gaya nitong ating Evacuation Center. Sa oras ng sakuna gaya ng baha tuwing mayroong bagyo o pagtaas ng tubig ng Abra River, ay mayroon na kaming matatakbuhan na paglalagyan sa ating mga kababayan na nakararanas ng baha. Sila ngayo’y magiging ligtas sa mga panahon ng bagyo.” The municipal mayor is also grateful of the project as he said, “Malaki ang naitulong nitong evacuation center sa aming bayan lalo na sa oras ng sakuna. Kung sa pondo lang ng aming bayan manggagaling ang ipantatayo namin ay matatagalan pa bago kami makapagpatayo dahil limited lang ang aming Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA). 5th class municipality lang po kami at alam naman nating nahahati sa iba’t ibang aspeto ang dumarating na pondo ng munisipyo.” “The significance of this evacuation center is to save lives during the occurrence of disaster especially to the people residing nearby Abra River.

That is the first move/response we have to do in times of calamities/disaster, because our family and relatives are our strength,” he added. The multi-level facility adheres to the national standard for evacuation centers as per DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2015-45. It serves as a multi-purpose building where one portion serves as Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO), and the other is Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (DRRMO). One room serves as their stock room for relief goods and equipment and the hall is also used for trainings/ seminars. With the completion of the facility, the people of Manabo are now assured of a safe shelter located in an elevated area and structurally designed to withstand strong typhoons and floods. The center is very well ventilated and is accessible to the hospitals, markets, and other facilities. The resilience of the evacuation center fortifies as well the spirit of the evacuees to survive any calamities that go their way.#

The

Province of

Apayao A

payao is located at the northernmost tip of the Luzon mainland. It is bounded on the east by the province of Cagayan, on the west by Ilocos Norte and Abra, and on the south by Kalinga. Apayao was formerly a part of the old province of Kalinga-Apayao. However, on February 14, 1995, Republic Act No. 7878 authored by Congressman Elias K. Bulut of the lone district of KalingaApayao, was enacted converting the province of Kalinga-Apayao into two separate and regular provinces: Kalinga and Apayao. Project: Construction of Cable-Suspended Steel Footbridge Location: Barangay Calabigan, Luna, Apayao Amount: Php 1,200,000.00 Funding: Bottom-Up Budgeting (BUB 2016) Beneficiaries: 1000 individuals, 2 Barangays

The Province of Apayao is composed of seven (7) municipalities, namely: Calanasan, Conner, Flora, Kabugao, Luna, Pudtol and Sta. Marcela. 23

“FOOTBRIDGE CONNECTING BARANGAYS” DILG-Apayao Steel Footbridge for Barangay Calabigan connecting the barangays of Calabigan and Marag in Luna, Apayao.

he Municipality of Luna is named as the “show window” of the Province of Apayao. A 2nd class municipality and one of the seven (7) municipalities, it is geographically located in the northern part, composed of twenty-two (22) barangays. One significant indicator as an emerging municipality is the advancement in its mode of transportation and easy access to its neighbouring barangays. Its emergence was supported by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) through its Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) FY 2016. An amount of Php 1,200,000 was allocated for the Construction of a Cable-Suspended

A resident from Barangay Calabigan shared the difficulties and hardships their family and other residents of the community faced during the rainy season. As the Province of Apayao is known for its prolonged rainy season especially during the “Ber-Months”, rivers become treacherous and dangerous to cross and only boats would be used for transportation and in going in and out of the said Barangay. The importation and exchange of products or goods and services could hardly reach the local market of Luna and the cost of transportation was higher, therefore, there was low economic growth. Farmers could hardly buy supplies for their farms and transport their products. Workers for public and private institutions paid pricey fares in traveling to work as it was difficult to cross the river. Pupils and students had difficulty going to school especially during the rainy season because of the dangers in crossing the river. It was also one factor why government’s basic services were difficult to bring to the barangay. Upon the completion of the Cable-Suspended Steel Footbridge across the Marag River, the footbridge became an instant tourist attraction. Tourists take pictures of themselves in the said footbridge and post

them on social media like Facebook and Instagram. The footbridge opened doors and opportunities for the residents of Barangay Calabigan. It became a symbol of hope and harmony. This project contributed to the development of the Municipality by easing transport and exchange of agro-industrial products. It provided the residents an easy and wellconnected access to farm-to-market roads. It also made way to timely delivery of basic services by the government to the community. The products can now reach the local market, bringing in more income and improved quality of life. The footbridge provided a safer and quicker access as they travel to work or to school. This may just be a footbridge but it has its own special view as it is surrounded by the corn fields and the river. Through the Municipal Government of Luna’s program of development and responsiveness to the community’s needs, it strengthened the community’s participation to the LGU’s programs, projects and activities. Just like the bridge, link, relation and commitment are significant vanguards in the advancement of the lives of the people and the locality.#

No More Flood, No More Fear

he Municipal Government of Pudtol in Apayao through the leadership of Former Mayor Batara Laoat continued by the present Administration headed by Mayor Hector Reuel D. Pascua with the help of the Municipal Engineering Office is once again appreciated for their determination and significant efforts to implement and complete the project. The project was successful and effective in alleviating the flow of rainwater and liquid wastes entering households and establishments. Through this drainage canal, flooding during rainy season and swamping of liquid wastes coming from the nearby establishments are no longer experienced. This project will truly be long remembered and thanked for as it benefited and helped the community improve their health and sanitation. As a resident of Barangay Poblacion, Felimon Ramento said, “Idi awan pay ata canal, malayos tuy balaymi sumrek ti danum lalo nu diretso tudo. Idi naaramiden ta canal, awan met layosen kada agtudo”. (Before the construction of this canal, we were flooded especially during continuous heavy downpour of rain. After its construction, there is no more flood even during rainy season.) Lita Flores, a resident of Barangay Emilia who lives nearby the drainage canal expressed, “Malayos kami idi pagat tumeng, isu nga impangato mi etoy flooring ti balay mi. Amin nga taraken mi ipangato mi tapno di da malayos. Idi naaramiden ta project nga canal, saan kami met malayos”. (Before, we were experiencing a knee-level flood so we had to elevate the flooring of our houses. We even brought our livestocks to higher grounds. With this completed canal project, we’re not experiencing flood anymore.)#

Project: Construction of Poblacion-Emilia Concrete Drainage Canal Location: Barangay Poblacion and Emilia, Pudtol, Apayao Amount: Php 800,000.00 Funding: Bottom-Up Budgeting (BUB 2016) Beneficiaries: 130 households

Ms. Mary Jane Duldulao, Head Teacher of Apayao Science High School, enjoys a merry walk gliding through the constructed pavement along with her students. “Gone were the days when our students would enter the classroom with dirty feet because of mud during rainy days. With the improvement of the road, our enrolment rate increased and tardiness and absenteeism decreased. Indeed, this project that the government was able to prioritize is a big help to each of us!”

Naomi Ann C. Cayaba, Student Leader, said that they will no longer have a hard time cleaning their classroom and they are very excited to wake up to go to school because of the newly-concreted road and constructed stairway.

CONCRETED ROAD SECTION AND CONSTRUCTED STAIRWAY AT SAN ISIDRO SUR, LUNA, APAYAO Project: Local Road Upgrading Location: Purok Liwliwa, San Isidro Sur, Luna Apayao Amount: Php 2,545,434.00 Funding: Assistance to Municipalities (AM 2018) Beneficiaries: 1,388 individuals

SALINTUBIG 2015: CONVERSION OF LEVEL II WATER SYSTEM TO LEVEL III

“Idi, awan iti dumanon nga danum, daytoy bubon mi ti pangalaan mi. Naangot iti badu no aglaba kami. Dagiyay puraw, masukatan kulayen ti bado ta ada lati na dyay bubon mi” (Before, when water doesn’t reach our homes, we fetch water from the spring to be used to wash our clothes. It don’t smell good and it darkened our clothes.)

“Adu oras kon nga rumwar, haan nga kasla idi nga mapanak pay laeng agsakdo” (I have more time to go out now, unlike before that I still need to fetch water.)

Project: Provision of Potable Water Supply Location: Pudtol, Apayao Amount: Php 3,000,000.00 Funding: Bottom Up Budgeting (BUB 2015) Beneficiaries: 300+ households

The

Province of

Benguet

enguet is located on the southernmost part of the Cordillera Administrative Region between 16’10” and 16’33” north latitude and 120’34” to 120’52” east longitude. It is bounded on the north by Mountain Province, on the south by Pangasinan, on the west by La Union and Ilocos Sur, and on the east by Nueva Vizcaya and Ifugao. Benguet was formerly a sub-province of the old Mountain Province with the passage of Act No. 1876 on August 13, 1908. It only became a separate province with the enactment of Republic Act No. 4695 on June 18, 1966. Benguet is politically divided into 13 municipalities and 140 barangays. The thirteen (13) municipalities are: Atok, Bakun, Bokod, Buguias, Itogon, Kabayan, Kapangan, Kibungan, La Trinidad (Capital), Mankayan, Sablan, Tuba & Tublay.

Beneficiaries in Barangay Alno, La Trinidad, Benguet of the Bottom-up budgeting (BUB) project for the provision for domestic water supply.

Project: Construction of PDRRM Office (128 sqm) Location: Wangal, La Trinidad, Benguet Amount: Php 4,000,000.00 Funding: Performance Challenge Fund (PCF 2016) Beneficiaries: 403,944 individuals

Project: Local Access Road Concreting Location: Barangay Ampusongan, Bakun, Benguet Amount: Php 1,000,000.00 Funding: Assistance to Disadvantaged Municipalities (ADM 2017) Beneficiaries: 250 households

Creating Opportunities, Endless Posibilities Jonilou F. Sahoy, MLGOO-Bakun, Benguet

he Municipality of Bakun is landlocked, mountainous and lies in the northern part of Benguet. It is accessible by land transportation from Baguio City through the entry points in Sinipsip Junction of the Halsema Highway; Acop, Caponga Tublay Tollgate via the municipalities of Kapangan and Kibungan, and colliding in Madaymen Kibungan. All said roads are either unpaved and/or prone to landslide and erosion during the rainy days. With this geo-physical environment where

agriculture is the primary source of income and with the onset of the Bottom-Up Budgetting (BuB) followed by the Assistance to Disadvantaged Municipalities (ADM) then the Assistance to Municipalities (AM), Bakun focused on access roads as projects to be implemented in the different barangays under these DILG programs. Mayor Fausto T. Labinio of Bakun said that the Internal Revenue Allocation (IRA) of the municipality is not sufficient to maintain its road networks and other areas of concern. Thus with

this focus, the municipality needed funding to help them deliver services to the people. Mr. Bartolome Sacla, Jr., a contractor and resident of Barangay Ampusongan, Bakun in an interview summed up the effects and benefits of implementing projects under the BuB, ADM and AM. He stated that as a contractor and end-user, he made sure that the materials and workmanship of the roads are of best quality and given priority over his income from the project. Now in effect, school children can pass safely to and from school with their wider roads, lesser traffic as the road is already “two-way”, and farmers’ produce can be delivered faster to the market with less damage. He also jokingly said that since the municipality does not have a wide parking area, they can always extend parking in the “now wider” roads during big events. Both the Mayor and the contractor stated that the DILG’s Program - the AM is one of the sources of fund for the municipality to implement its priority projects. It is also one of the sources of income of community implementing the infrastructure projects funded by the AM.#

Project: Improvement of Doteng-Loacan Proper Municipal Road Location: Barangay Loacan, Itogon, Benguet Amount: Php 4,995,865.72 Funding: Assistance to Disadvantaged Municipalities (ADM 2017) Beneficiaries: 7,714 individuals

By: DILG Benguet Povincial Office Project: Small Water Impounding Project Location: Cabaritan, Dalupirip, Itogon, Benguet Amount: Php 1,500,000.00 Funding: Assistance to Disadvantaged Municipalities (ADM 2017) Beneficiaries: 80 households

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

We are thankful that this government project reached us in this remote sitio of Cabaritanâ&#x20AC;?, said Irrigator Beneficiary Antero Paran. The 59 year old farmerirrigator added that the use of Small Water Impounding Project - Communal Irrigation System (SWIP-CIS) will be maximized in the upcoming summer as the water to be impounded will supply the rice paddies, households and some citrus farms. For its operation and use, residents of the sitio will maintain the same as part of their acceptance and gratitude to the local government unit and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Bagong Sablan folks thankful of DILG Programs, hopeful of community development “Absence of local roads has impeded

the development and residents’ lives in sitios Yabyabuan and Sadul of Barangay Bagong”, town chief Arthur Baldo said in an interview. Not yet in public service, Baldo first stepped in Yabyabuan when he attended a community benefit dance in 1996. He said that it saddened him that roads had not reached the remote sitios. Such remote situation had limited the

opportunity of locals to education as most of them only finished elementary education and consequently employed as laborers or household helpers. Residents were not encouraged to continue schooling and explore opportunities attributing such cause to their isolation. Life in the area then was seasonal, as harvest of “boyboy” (tiger grass) would be before the rainy season. Locals would weave them into

brooms in said season and would only hardly send them to the market after the long rains. Kagawad Luis Baclawad, who grew up in Yabyabuan narrated that they used to carry their soft broom products locally known as “boyboy” from the sitio to the junction of Barangay Kamog for at least twelve (12) hours. Thus, it would take them a whole day to deliver “boyboy” and other farm products to the junction and be back to their homes.

The completed ADM 2017 funded Cayapes-Yabyabuan access road and the AM 2018 priority Mengket-Yabyabuan access road brought relief to more than forty-eight (48) households and locals in sitio Yabyabuan and the whole of Bagong. In an after inspection interview, Punong Barangay Paul Dio-al said â&#x20AC;&#x153;the completed road project under the ADM program meets the basic transportation needs of

the community. Vehicles can now reach the sitios of Barangay Bagong providing access to basic and maternal health services. For the farmers, they no longer need to carry their products to Barangay Kamog as these ADM access road projects connect them now to Barangay Balluay, towards the national highway and to Barangay Cruz, La Trinidad. Further, residents of

Barangay Bagong who sojourned to La Trinidad and Baguio City are hoped to return home as accessibility to the area is now easier through these LGSF projects. With the developments brought by ADM 2017 & AM 2018 programs, the residents will start to hope, act, improve their lives and be happier.# DILG Benguet PO Contribution

Project: Improvement of Portion Along Cayapes-Yabyabuan Access Road Location: Barangay Bagong, Sablan, Benguet Amount: Php 2,355,000.00 Funding: Assistance to Disadvantaged Municipalities (ADM 2017) Beneficiaries: 48 households

The

Province of

Ifugao I

fugao is located at the foot of the Cordillera Mountain Ranges. It is bounded on the west by Benguet, on the south by Nueva Vizcaya, on the east by Isabela and on the north by Mt. Province. Ifugao was formerly a part of the old Mountain Province. It was created as an independent province on June 18, 1966 by virtue of Republic Act No. 4695, otherwise known as the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Division Law of Mountain Province.â&#x20AC;? Under this law, Mountain Province was divided into four (4) provinces namely: Ifugao, Kalinga-Apayao, Benguet and Mountain Province.

Project: Local Road Opening Location: Barangay Julongan, Kiangan, Ifugao Amount: Php 2,500,000.00 Funding: Assistance to Municipalities (AM 2018) Beneficiaries: 120 households

Ifugao is politically divided into 11 municipalities and 175 barangays. The municipalities are: Aguinaldo, Lista, Asipulo, Banaue, Hingyon, Hungduan, Kiangan, Lagawe, (capital) Lamut, Mayoyao and Tinoc.

WATER PROJECTS ENRICH BANAUE LIVES

n response to the call for potable water supply from the poor barangays, the Municipal Government of Banaue through its local chief executive then, Hon. Jerry U. Dalipog, made it a priority program. Hence, the construction of water systems for Barangays Kinakin, Banao, Bocos, Pula, Balawis, Amganad, Gohang and San Fernando with a total amount of four million pesos (Php 4,000,000.00) was proposed under the BUB and AM Programs. The establishment of the Banaue Water District with the construction of its water system answers the need within the town center including Barangays Viewpoint and Poblacion, parts of Barangays Tam-an and Barangay Amganad. The establishment and completion of water system within the target barangays brought convenience, ensured safe drinking water and strengthened the trust and confidence of the residents to the government for being truly concerned on their living situation.

Based on the interviews with some of the beneficiaries, the watersystem project: 1. rid out the risk of fetching potable drinking water from the spring, 2. reduced time for fetching water to be used for other house chores, 3. increased the number of constructed decent latrines in the community, 4. established agricultural income generating project in the backyards, and 5. reduced the risk of contracting sickness particularly waterborne diseases such as gastrointeritis. The communities firmly believe that â&#x20AC;&#x153;Health is Wealthâ&#x20AC;?. This is true! A highly incomed sickly person is at par with or even worse than a low incomed healthy person. As we all know, two thirds of the body is made up of water. Thus, clean water is life.#

Project: Piwong-Municipal Site Core Local Access Road Location: Piwong-Municipal Site, Hingyon, Ifugao Amount: Php 2,075,108.1 Funding: Assistance to Disadvantaged Municipalities (ADM 2017) Beneficiaries: 250 households

SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT IN ONE OF HINGYON’S MAIN ROADS COMPLETED

mong the projects funded by the Assistance to Disadvantaged Municipalities for the year 2017 is the road widening, concreting, slope protection riprapping and drainage canal upgrading along the Piwong-Bitu Provincial Road. The project costs a total of Php 2,075,108.1 coming from the ADM with Php 1,00,000.00 as counterpart of the Municipal Government of Hingyon. Its construction started from March 17, 2018 and completed on May 05, 2018. Its construction period was within the programmed implementation timeframe as indicated in the project’s Program of Work submitted by the Municipal Engineering Office. The project was among the listed priority projects in the Local Development Investment Plan of the municipality covering the years 2017-2019. Its inclusion in the town’s LDIP was due to its crucial role to

everyday living among Hingyon people as it is the only road connecting and linking barangays Poblacion, Bitu, Mompolia, Ubuag and Anao to the Nueva Vizcaya-Ifugao-Mountain Province National Highway. The LGU had been allotting funds from the town’s 20% Development Fund but these funds were not enough to deliver significant improvements to the roads as the funds allotted were diminutive in amount so as not to compromise the delivery of other priority projects in the other parts of the municipality. The seat of the Municipal Government is at Barangay Bitu in Sitio Culob. Along with the Municipal Hall, the PNP Station, Municipal Health Office, the Southern Hingyon National High School and the Hingyon Elementary School are also located there. Before the implementation of the road improvement project, the road was one way and narrow. When two vehicles meet, one had to stop or pull back to a wider portion of the road and

give way to the other. With that situation, traffic was always a challenge especially during rush hours and worst during municipal events and fiestas. Add to that, during rainy days, gushing waters flush flooded the narrow road making it even more difficult to travers and sometimes impassable due to landslides. Since the rainy season is a deterrent to the project implementation, the Municipal Government of Hingyon took advantage of the summer season to implement the project. The implementation was done smoothly following all engineering protocols. After the completion, inspection and turnover, the road is now open to traffic. The narrowest portions are now two lanes and can accommodate two way traffic with ease. A sigh of relief for the daily commuters is evident as this is a big improvement in travel time and safety.#

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A big thanks to DILG for the funding of the improvement of the main road access to our barangay. With the double laned sections which used to be so narrow and difficult to traverse before, we can now travel faster and safer to the mainstream and beyond. And advance thanks also to the continuation which is even bigger in funding for this year. We are so pleased with all your assistance.” -PB Johny Binwag, Barangay Bitu

We are so glad of the project from DILG that upgraded our narrow road. I was really bothered every time I imagined if an emergency will happen during rush hours and big occasions, the ambulance could had a hard time travelling. At least today, with the improvement and with the continuation coming, we will no longer have problems with the road access. Patients will have easier access also to the services of the MHO with these projects. Once again, thank you so much DILG for the assistance.” -Dra. Raquel A. Revolledo, MHO Hingyon

On behalf of the Southern Hingyon National High School, we would like to say thank you to LGU Hingyon for the project recommendation and the DILG for funding. The words “thank you” are not enough to express how much thankful we are to the project and to the continuation to begin next month which is even bigger in funding. Again, thank you very much DILG and please accept our heartfelt gratitude.” -Mrs. Flavia D. Ahuday, SHNS School Head

These are the words from the direct beneficiaries of the completed project as expressed during the interview visits of CDO III Ramses G. Cabbigat and CDO II Lynette Rochelle C. Lim-ang conducted shortly after the project turnover to the beneficiaries. In order to fully deliver a significant improvement of the same road, the Municipal Government of Hingyon invested the whole share of the municipality from the Assistance to the Municipalities program for the year 2018 amounting to Php 4.8M for the continuation of the completed project to be implemented by August 2018. The aim is to fully transform the entire length of the Piwong-Bitu road into a two-way traffic. Once a dream, now realized.

LUBU-ONG SUSPENSION FOOTBRIDGE INSTALLED

t took two hours to reach Barangay Luboong from Barangay Bokiawan because there were no other means of transportation to reach the place except through walking with caution along narrow dikes of rice fields to avoid accident. According to Punong Barangay Paul Duging, Barangay Lubo-ong has the least number of population among the 9 barangays with 978 people and 179 households. The Sangguniang Barangay was very glad that their barangay is one of the beneficiaries of the Assistance to Municipalities (AM) program of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). The construction of the Lubo-ong suspension footbridge was listed in the Annual Investment Plan

(AIP) 2018 of the Barangay. Punong Barangay Duging said that the project is very important to them because it connects the residents to Sitio Balat, Mt. Polis and Banaue. It is also the walkway of the children from the identified sitios going to Poblacion wherein the Lubo-ong Elementary School is located. Due to the absence of access to the other barangays, enrollees in school decreased because of the problem of the walkway. Some parents already transferred their children to the Municipality of Banaue to have their education. The project was completed on February 18, 2019. Its project facilitation and implementation were through the initiatives of the municipal and barangay governments and DILGIfugao. The laborers of the project were all from Barangay Lubo-ong. Their

relentless efforts during the project construction were not that easy especially in the hauling of materials. The elders helped, too, through bayanihan. Residents are very grateful to DILG through the AM project. According to PB Duging, promises were given to the community to install a footbridge in their sitio after three strong typhoons wreaked havoc but nothing was provided. The suspesion bridge was able to come to reality through the DILG. The Assistance to Municipalities is designed to address the rising public expectations regarding the delivery of services by providing the local government units with financial subsidy to fully realize their devolved service delivery functions. These programs are funded under the LGSF.#

Project: Local Foot Bridge Construction Location: Lubu-ong, Hungduan, Ifugao Amount: Php 1,000,000.00 Funding: Assistance to Municipalities (ADM 2017) Beneficiaries: 757 individuals

Expansion/Improvement of Level III Watersystem Location: Sto. Domingo, Funding and Amount:

Alfonso Lista, Ifugao

Thru Sub-Projects Funded from SALINTUBIG, BuB, PAMANA, ADM and AM with a total amount of

Php 51,019,070.00 from 2012 to 2018

2012 BuB FUND: Construction of 300 cu.m. Water Tank – Php 3M 2014 BuB FUND : Improvement/Extension of Water System – Php 15M 2016 BuB FUND : Improvement/Extension of Water System - Php 11.8M 2017 ADM FUND : Improvement / Extension of Water System – Php 10.240M 2018 AM FUND : On-going Improvement / Expansion of Water System - Php 6.932M Beneficiaries: 14 Barangays

The water supply and distribution system was constructed in 2010 and completed in June 2012 thru bond floatation of the Municipality Government of Alfonso Lista amounting to PhP 72M. The watersystem was expanded and further improved to a Level III watersystem through the funds downloaded by DILG under its different programs. The Alfonso Lista Water and Sanitation System (ALWASA) was created through Municipal Ordinance No. 2011-61, to manage and administer the Alfonso Lista Water System Service.

The

Province of

Kalinga

alinga is a landlocked province lying on the central part of the Cordillera Administrative Region. It is bounded on the north by Apayao, on the east by Cagayan and Isabela, on the west by Abra and on the south by Mt. Province. Kalinga was formerly a part of the old province of Kalinga-Apayao. However, on February 14, 1995, Republic Act No. 7878 authored by Congressman Elias K. Bulut of the lone district of Kalinga-Apayao, was enacted converting the province of Kalinga-Apayao into two separate and regular provinces: Kalinga and Apayao. Kalinga is politically divided into 7 municipalities, 1 component city and 152 barangays. The Province of Kalinga is composed of Balbalan, Lubuagan, Pasil, Pinukpuk, Rizal, City of Tabuk (Capital), Tanudan and Tinglayan.

Project: Upgrading/Improvement of the Allaguia-Asibanglan Road Location: Pinukpuk, Kalinga Amount: Php 32,000,000.00 Funding: PAMANA 2016 Beneficiaries: 2,897 individuals

IT TOOK EXTREME HARD LABOR to construct the local access road -- hard labor as the workers needed to struggle hauling the materials to cross the Pasil river with its strong current. The source of construction materials like sand and water was the river itself. It would take 1.5 kilometers from Pasil river to reach the project site. “Imagine the struggle of putting up this project, the materials for it, it’s really hard. We are very thankful to DILG for giving the municipality of Pasil a project like this to improve these roads, upgrade them because these are the only thing that will help the municipality and the beneficiaries to progress.”

The improvement of the local access road is able to benefit residents residing in Barangay Puapo. According to beneficiaries, they now have access roads leading to the Municipalities of Balbalan and Lubuagan. Transporting of goods is no longer a problem for them.

Ms. Jossie del Rosario, 40 years old, a RIC-KALIPI member and a resident of Barangay Dangtalan (right) relates how their organization managed to sustain the improved road access through clean-up volunteer work. This gesture shows how grateful the women of the community are to DILG for funding their road that made their lives better. For Rianne Nalog, a mother and a resident for 15 years (left), added that she and her children had to walk for 30 minutes -- they had no other option because the used-tobe rough and dented road was still the shortest way going to Tabuk. The longer way is a hike for two hours bracing through the tough waters of Pasil river.

Project: Local Access Road Location: Puapo, Dangtalan, Pasil, Kalinga Amount: Php 6,892,000.00 Funding: Assistance to Disadvantaged Municipalities (ADM 2017) Beneficiaries: 664 individuals

She was also able to recall how, during her younger years, her mother was carried from their place going to Lubuagan to give birth. But now, “you are going to walk through a pavement and it only takes two minutes.” Both Jossie and Rianne, women who hurdled hardships over the years because of the road condition, will surely have a lot of stories to tell ...

Barangay Santol in Rizal Kalinga is no different from the other barangays, which, throughout the years, had no water connection -- the community only relied on pump and deep wells, the water of which still needed filtering when the water reach home. The project initially served 55 households until the community through the local government unit extented the lines which currently serves 250 beneficiaries. The Departmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sagana at Ligtas na Tubig sa Lahat (SALINTUBIG) Program surely ensured a safe and clean water for the beneficiaries of the six puroks of Barangay Santol.

Project: Construction of Level II Watersystem Location: Santol, Rizal, Kalinga Amount: Php 2,229,679.00 Funding: SALINTUBIG Beneficiaries: 250 individuals

then ...

SALINTUBIG became an answered prayer!

Punong Barangay Jonathan Padios said that there was a time when health and sanitation situation became a problem because of poor hygiene as people lacked access to water to bathe themselves.

FETCHING WATER IS NO JOKE for the residents of Barangay Santol, Rizal, Kalinga and its neighboring puroks. People had to wake up early and sweat it out to fill their pails, buckets and other containers for water to store and use. Ms. Jennifer Romero, a resident of Barangay Santol since 1974 vividly recalls how she used to wake up early for years and walk for an hour and a half just to reach the nearest pump well.

LAY-ASAN FLOOD CONTROL Project: Construction of Lay-asan flood Control Location: Sitio Magtoma Lay-asan, Tanudan Amount: Php 2,000,000.00 Funding: Bottom-Up Budgeting (BUB 2016) Beneficiaries: 1,200 individuals

“S

iyak ni Bobby Gassinga, 55 years old. Dakami ti immuna nga residente ti daytoy nga Sitio ket witnesak nga daytoy waig ket dakkel no tiyempo iti todo. Maiyanod pay dagidyay baboy mi ket dakkel nga tulong daytoy programa iti DILG nga BUB ta nangted met ti pondo tapno maproteksyunan ti eskwelaan ken kabalbalayan. Sapay la kuma ta dagitoy nga programa ket agtultuloy tapno ti kasta ket adu pay nga proyekto ken pagimbagan iti ili ti ipaay na tapno lak-amen dagiti sumaruno nga kapututan”. “I am Bobby Gassinga, 55 years old and I am one of the pioneer residents in this Sitio who witnessed how the water in this creek rise during rainy season. Even our livestocks get carried by the water current, that is why we are very thankful of this BUB program of the DILG that provided funds to protect the school and our homes. I hope that these kinds of program will continue for the betterment and progress of the community and for the next generation.”

Tolentino Pugao, 53 years old, former Barangay Kagawad of Lay-asan, expressed that the completed project was a big help to the beneficiaries as it protects students, teachers as well as parents together with the community from the burden of flashfloods that possibly affect the school and homes in the area. He also expressed his gratitude to the program of the Department of the Interior and Local Government as it was completed in good faith with the collaborative effort of DILG personnel and LGU officials. He also asked for additional fund for the continuation of grouted riprap to protect the whole stretch from landslide and flooding.

The

Mt. P

rovince

ituated centrally in the Cordilleras, Mt. Province is bounded on the north by Kalinga, on the south by Ifugao, southwest by Benguet and on the west by Abra and Ilocos Sur. It is accessible from Ifugao through the BanaueBontoc Road, Ilocos Sur through the Tagudin-CervantesTadian Road, Kalinga through the Lubuagan-Bontoc Road and Baguio through the scenic Halsema Highway famously known as Mountain Trail.

Project: Local Road Upgrading Location: Bontoc Ili, Mt. Province Amount: Php 2,000,000.00 Funding: Assistance to Municipalities (AM 2018) Beneficiaries: 1,101 households

The former Mt. Province was created in 1908 with seven sub-provinces, namely: Benguet, Bontoc, Ifugao, Lepanto, Amburayan, Kalinga and Apayao. Later, Amburayan and Lepanto were incorporated by the sub-province of Benguet and Bontoc respectively leaving the five sub-provinces known as BIBAK. Mt. Province is politically divided into 10 municipalities and 144 barangays with the municipality of Bontoc as its capital. The ten (10) municipalities, are: Barlig, Bauko, Besao, Bontoc, Natonin, Paracelis, Sabangan, Sadanga, Sagada and Tadian. Mt. Province became an independent province on March 25, 1967 when President Ferdinand E. Marcos officially appointed and inducted into office the first provincial board. On April 7, 1967, the new Mt. Province came into operation. This date was unanimously adopted as the Mt. Province Day by the provincial board in its regular meeting held on June 10, 1980.

BAUKO: Improvement of Tapapan-Guinzadan Access Road Before

Project: Improvement of Access Road Location: Sitio Ligto & Maapat, Tapapan, Bauko Amount: Php 3,070,128.51 Funding: Assistance to Disadvantaged Municipalities (ADM 2017) Beneficiaries: 1,259 Households

From

the perspective of the “Gameng ya Katagowan (For a Better Life)” Program of the present administration, the project was considered one of the most important catalyst towards socio-economic development of the Municipality of Bauko, Mt. Province. Farming is the major source of household income and the greatest need is an all-weather road. The improvement of the access road opened many opportunities of investment along the stretch of the improved section. It is therefore foreseen that increase in land valuation and change in land use would happen thus deriving economic benefits for the beneficiaries as well as the local government unit. “From the hearts of the farmers, this is a dream come true development. The perennial burden of manual hauling of inputs and products from the farm to the nearest road that were totally shortened was the best result ever achieved. It also ignited a massive call from other beneficiaries along the unimproved stretch for the continuation of the project until its end point at Kwabeng and Pagang area. Though the project did not completely cover the whole length of the road, it is practically seen that transport service was improved in the area.”# Walter B. Dalang/ MLGOO Ray B. Fiar-od

After

Expansion of Paracelis Water System SALINTUBIG 2013 & PCF 2016 Project: Expansion of Paracelis Water System Location: Poblacion, Paracelis, Mt. Province Amount: Php 3,307,028.35 Funding: SALINTUBIG 2013 and PCF 2016 Beneficiaries: 1,126 households

he project is an expansion of the initial spring development project of the Municipality of Paracelis, Mt.Province, designed to solve the problem on access to water supply, improve sanitation in the central barangays of Paracelis and address the increasing demand for this basic need brought about by the increasing business opportunities and population growth. The project was initially started under the SALINTUBIG Program of the DILG but later became a conglomeration of various DILG programs and LGU counterparts for it to be fully realized. The project hoped to solve the perennial shortage of potable water supply, which tops the priority needs of the residents especially during the dry season. The water project

also hoped to enhance better sanitary condition with a Level III water system thereby potentially decreasing waterborne disease in the community. Competitive bidding in all the phases was employed in compliance with existing laws and program guidelines. The implementation of the phases took two administrations starting in 2014 until 2018 to fully realize a water system in the central areas in Paracelis and it took approximately PhP 10 Million of government resources to cover the project. This project has long been the clamor of the people of the municipality. Hence, with the pooling of resources from both the national and local governments, the water system is finally realized to cover 1,126 households as beneficiaries of this project. #

Project: Local Bridge Location: Samoki, Bontoc, Mt. Province Amount: Php 2,500,000.00 Funding: Assistance to Municipalities (AM 2018) Beneficiaries: 669 Households

BARLIG: Rehabilitation of Lias Road Project: Rehabilitation of Lias Road Location: Lias, Barlig, Mt. Province Amount: PhP 10,000,000.00 Funding: Bottom-Up Budgeting (BUB 2016) Assistance to Disadvantaged Municipalities (AM 2018) Assistance to Municipalities (AM 2018) Beneficiaries: 115 households

n CY 2016, the DILG provided funds amounting to PhP 4,000,000.00 from the Bottom-up Budgeting (BUB) Program for the rehabilitation of Lias Road in Barlig, Mt. Province. Another Php 4,000,000.00 was downloaded to the LGU under the Assistance to Disadvantaged Municipalities program for the continuation of the project that was inspected on July 17, 2018 by a joint monitoring team composed of the Municipal Monitoring Team, DILG, and a CSO representative. Another Php 2,000,000.00 was allotted for its completion under the Assistance to Municipalities (AM) Program. Therefore, a total of Php 10,000,000.00 was downloaded by the DILG to the Municipal Government of Barlig for the Rehabilitation of Lias Road.

several meters were concreted with funding from the Department of Agriculture (DA). Afterwards, there were no significant road improvements until 2016 when the project was identified as priority project under the BUB program.

According to Municipal Assessor Raymund Siano, the 2-kilometer road was opened in the 1980s. Then by 1990s,

Michelle Angwani / MLGOO Erwin T. Fegcan

Civil Society Organization (CSO) representative Robert Forosan and a resident of Barangay Lias remarked that the road rehabilitation projects are great help to the community because transport of goods and services have become easier and cheaper. According to Municipal Assessor Raymund, a travel time from the community to the national highway used to take 10 minutes because of the patched road conditions. Now, it only takes 5 minutes and it will still be shortened once the AM 2018 project is completed.#

DILG - CAR

Key O

fficials

REGIONAL OFFICE

MARLO L. IRINGAN, CESO III Regional Director Contact No. (074) 422-3644 E-mail Address: dilgcarcloud@gmail.com ARACELI A. SAN JOSE, CESO IV Assistant Regional Director Contact No. (074) 442-0085 E-mail Address: dilgcarcloud@gmail.com

SHIRLEY EVANGELINE V. MON Chief Administrative Officer Finance and Administrative Division (FAD) Contact No. (074) 442-0085 E-mail Address: dilgcarfad@gmail.com

DAISY A. PAYANG Division Chief Local Government Capability Development Division (LGCDD) Telefax (074) 443-9840 E-mail Address: dilg_car_pdmd@yahoo.com

MARLEEN M. GUERZON Division Chief Local Government Monitoring and Evaluation Division (LGMED) Telefax (074) 442-9030 E-mail Address: dilgcarlgmed1@gmail.com

ATTY. GENEVIEVE M. SHONTOGAN Attorney IV Legal Unit - DILG-CAR E-mail Address: dilgcarlegal@gmail.com

FIELD OPERATING UNITS

MILLICENT B. CARIÃ&#x2018;O Provincial Director, DILG-Abra Field Office Esmer Building, Partelo St., Zone 4, Bangued, Abra Contact No.(074)752-8095 E-mail Address: abra.dilg@gmail.com MARVIN A. BASQUEZ, CESO V Provincial Director, DILG-Apayao Field Office Poblacion, Luna, Apayao Contact No. 0998-530-8851 E-mail Address: onedilgapayao@gmail.com EVELYN B. TRINIDAD, CESO V City Director, DILG-Baguio City Field Office 2nd Floor, Baguio City Hall, Baguio City Contact No.(074)442-8130 E-mail Address: dil9cityfieldoffice@gmail.com

RUFINA T. FEGCAN, CESO V Provincial Director, DILG-Benguet Field Office Capitol Compound, La Trinidad, Benguet Contact No.(074) 422-4635 E-mail Address: benguetdilgpo@gmail.com REGINA ELIZABETH L. MAMMAG Provincial Director, DILG-Ifugao Field Office Capitol Compound, Lagawe, Ifugao Contact No.(074)382-2028 E-mail Address: ifugaodilg@gmail.com

ANTHONY MANOLO I. BALLUG, CESO V Provincial Director, DILG-Mt. Province Field Office Upper Caluttit, Bontoc, Mt. Province Contact No.(074)606-8163 E-mail Address: dilgmountain@gmail.com

MAX MAYER G. ADONG Provincial Director, DILG-Kalinga Field Office Bulanao, Tabuk, Kalinga Contact No.0919-994-0546 E-mail Address: dilgkalinga2014@gmail.com

DILG - Cordillera Administrative Region www.dilgcar.com dilgcarcloud@gmail.com (074) 442-0085 / 442-6339 www.facebook.com/dilgcarregionaloffice Tune in every 1st & 3rd Tuesdays of the month at DZEQ 999AM Radyo Pilipinas Baguio for the DILG-CAR At Your Service! Radio Program with simulcast Facebook Live.

DILG-CAR “Matino, Mahusay at Maaasahan” Upper Session Road cor. North Drive, Baguio City, 2600, Philippines

Baguio City, Philippines Photo by Hazael G. Bandas