
The community of Mabongtot, Lubuagan, Kalinga, demonstrated strong bayanihan, or "Abbuyog," to complete the
construction of a footpath, a project under the Risk Resiliency Program-Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation
and Disaster Risk Reduction (RRP-CCAM-DRR) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Barangay Mabongtot, a remote area, faced significant risks due to the unimproved access to schools for children.
The community proposed the concreting of the footpath to ensure safer and easier passage for residents.
The DSWD, through its Cash-for-Work Modality, allocated funds for labor costs, while the Provincial Local
Government Unit (PLGU) of Kalinga provided raw materials. A total of 50 beneficiaries received temporary
employment, earning ₱4,000 each for ten days of work. They successfully concreted 100 meters of the footpath.
Despite ongoing disputes between tribes affecting peace and order, the project implementers, in coordination with
LGU Lubuagan, mobilized resources to complete the work within the timeline. The remote location and lack of road
access posed challenges in hauling materials, exacerbated by unfavorable weather and gunfire incidents of the
warring tribes aggravated the situation prompting to halt the hauling activities as the beneficiaries has to prioritize
their safety. The PLGU provided vehicles and fuel to transport materials to the road end, after which community
members carried them on foot to Mabongtot. The PNP ensured safety throughout these activities. Additionally, the
collaboration with the Barangay LGU led to planting flowers along the footpath, contributing to the beautification of
the area.
The completed footpath primarily serves the Day Care Center, improving access for children aged 5-7 years.
Beneficiary Sonny Gantoc Mataloa highlighted the importance of the footpath in providing a safer route for
schoolchildren. The Barangay Health Unit noted a significant decrease in accidents involving children, attributed to
the new pathway.
Beneficiary Robinson Lagasca Sapalo acknowledged the development’s impact, stating it eased children’s school
journeys, preventing them from getting muddy. Fidel Pataclang Dagson emphasized the financial aid’s role in
meeting their daily needs.
“Through this program, we are not only educating our community but also fostering a sense of ownership and pride
among our beneficiaries. We are truly grateful for this opportunity” Ophelia Grace B. Adom, MSWDO of
Lubuagan expressed. ### DSWD-CAR Social Marketing Unit – Novelle G. Ongat, Information Officer II |