Paracelis, Mountain Province – For Barangay Buringal, the completion of the road improvement project in Sitio Bangad is not just about infrastructure, it is a story of empowerment, learning, and stronger local leadership.
The improvement of Barangay road along Sitio Bangay, Buringal in Paracelis, Mountain Province funded under the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) through the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan – Indigenous Peoples Community-Driven Development Program (PAMANA IP-CDD) modality, was officially turned over to the community on 5 February 2025, after its completion on 30 January 2025. With a total cost ofn ₱1,483,500, the project benefits 305 households, significantly improving access to education, services, and livelihoods.
For Barangay Captain Pilando Baguingan, the true value of the program lies in the transformation it brought to both the barangay’s physical landscape and its governance.
“I just want to thank the DSWD KALAHI-CIDSS because they entrusted us. They believed that we could do it, even if we completed the project a little late,” he said. “As barangay officials, we learned the how and when of project implementation, how to prioritize, defend, and manage sub-projects,” Barangay Captain Baguinan said.
He admitted that the process was initially overwhelming due to the volume of documentation and procedures required by the program. However, it became a valuable opportunity for local officials to grow in transparency, accountability, and hands-on project management.
The road improvement was selected after a series of inclusive community consultations through the Participatory Situational Analysis (PSA). The area was prioritized due to its significant challenges- long and difficult walks to school for students and interrupted transportation of products for farmers and service providers during the rainy season due to poor road condition.
The road has brought tangible benefits. School attendance has improved. Farmers now transport their produce more efficiently, and emergency and public services are able to reach the community more quickly.
“This program empowers us in Barangay Buringal. Last year, we were just a small group figuring things out. Now, more of our constituents, especially those in the sitios, are participating and becoming more interested in what KALAHI-CIDSS can offer,” Baguingan added.
The KALAHI-CIDSS PAMANA IP-CDD modality is a specialized implementation of the DSWD’s community-driven development program. While other KALAHI-CIDSS modalities focus on poverty reduction through participatory planning and governance, PAMANA places additional emphasis on peace-building, inclusivity, and conflict sensitivity, particularly in indigenous and conflict-affected communities.
Beyond building infrastructure, the PAMANA modality supports social healing, strengthens local institutions, and ensures that vulnerable groups are heard and included in development planning. It intentionally fosters dialogue and cooperation among diverse community members to prevent conflict and promote long-term peace.
For Barangay Buringal, this approach made a meaningful impact, not only on improving roads but also building trust, solidarity, and confidence in their capacity to lead their own development. #DSWD-CAR, SOCIAL MARKETING UNIT, Yvonne Gracious T. Elegado, Social Marketing Officer III
