LAGAYAN, Abra — A drainage canal in Sitio Proper, Barangay Collago benefitting 93 households was formally turned over on 05 August 2026.

The subproject, worth Php1,485,000.00, was completed as part of the DSWD FO CAR’s Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) program’s Kapangyarihan at Kaunlaran sa Barangay-Community-Driven Development (KKB-CDD) modality.

As the barangay had long experienced flooding due to inadequate drainage, particularly during the rainy season, causing water to stagnate and raising the risk of dengue and other waterborne diseases, the new canal proves beneficial to the residents. It redirects excess rainwater away from houses and public facilities, and is expected to keep roads and community spaces accessible during heavy rains.

“We should always think about what we can contribute to our community, not just what we can get from it. Through that mindset, all of us will rise and progress together,” said Lagayan Mayor Edmarc Crisologo, encouraging residents to help sustain projects like the drainage canal.

Gina B. Cardenas, Project Preparation Team Chairperson and Participatory Situational Analysis Head, said the sub-project reflects the broader value of the KALAHI-CIDSS program.

“KALAHI-CIDSS is not just about building roads or drainage canals. It is a story of shared experience, transformation, and unity. I learned that true progress comes through helping one another, or what they call empowerment, and that unity and mutual cooperation are the path toward the progress of our barangay,” she said. #DSWD-CAR, KALAHI-CIDSS RPMO, Yvonne Gracious T. Elegado, Project Development Officer III