Barangay San Isidro in Iloilo City has received a PHP2-million grant for its proposed water refilling project under the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) Pag-Abot Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
A memorandum of agreement was signed on Tuesday by Mayor Jerry Treñas, DSWD Western Visayas Regional Director Arwin Razo, and Barangay San Isidro acting Punong Barangay Ruby Gallano.
“This is another engagement with the city government of Iloilo, which we believe will benefit our sectors, especially those reintegrated into the receiving community,” Razo said.
The project aims to support reintegrated families, including that of Raphy Padernilla, who returned to Iloilo City after years of living in Manila without a permanent home. The water refilling station, managed by the barangay, will also provide employment opportunities, including a job for a member of Padernilla’s family.
Padernilla, currently working as a job hire at a university, may also receive individual livelihood assistance from DSWD if he decides to start his own business.
The Pag-Abot Program offers various assistance packages, including financial aid, relocation support, livelihood opportunities, and community assistance. More families are expected to return to Iloilo under the program, with referrals from the national government underway.