The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), through the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan–Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS), officially turned over a newly constructed drainage canal and pathway to the residents of Sitio Foyayeng, Barangay Bontoc Ili, Mountain Province on 1 September 2025. The ceremony was attended by DSWD Field Office Cordillera Administrative Region Regional Director Maria A. Catbagan-Aplaten, PhD, Bontoc Mayor Franklin Odsey, Vice Mayor Alsannyster Patingan, municipal employees, barangay officials, and community members.
The sub-project was identified through the Participatory Situational Analysis conducted in the community, where residents expressed the need for improved health and safety measures, particularly through proper drainage and safer pathways. Prior to the intervention, wastewater along the pathways often became stagnant, creating potential health risks such as mosquito-borne diseases. During heavy rains, run-off water from higher-elevation areas also flowed onto the pathways, which made travel challenging for schoolchildren, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and other community members.
Among the 14 sitios of Barangay Bontoc Ili, Sitio Foyayeng was prioritized because of its limited drainage system and its strategic role as an access point to the town proper and adjacent sitios. Residents also shared that during the rainy season, they were sometimes forced to take longer routes due to slippery and flooded pathways, making the improvement of the sitio a pressing need.
The construction of the drainage canal and pathway, which has a total project cost of Php 1,210,507.50 funded under the Peace and Development Buong Bansa Mapayapa (PDBBM) program of the DSWD, is expected to benefit 971 households in the community. The project is envisioned to provide safer and more reliable access to essential services, improve mobility, and contribute to better sanitation and waste management practices for the residents of Sitio Foyayeng.
“This project reflects the spirit of bayanihan and community empowerment, which are at the core of KALAHI-CIDSS. With this drainage canal and pathway, we are not only building infrastructure but also strengthening resilience, safety, and well-being in Sitio Foyayeng,” RD Aplaten said.“This drainage canal and pathway may seem like a small intervention, but for the people of Sitio Foyayeng, it is a big step towards safety, convenience, and better living conditions. It will ease the daily struggles of our residents, especially during the rainy season, and will help protect the health and well-being of our community,” Mayor Odsey shared. #DSWD-CAR, SOCIAL MARKETING UNIT, Yvonne Gracious T. Elegado, Social Marketing Officer III
