BUTUAN CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Caraga Region (DSWD-13) announced the release of PHP1.45 million worth of a public address system to Barangay San Pedro, Alegria, Surigao del Norte on Thursday.
In a statement on Friday, the DSWD-13 said that the project is part of its community-driven development efforts under the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) program.
“The project was identified and prioritized by residents through participatory planning facilitated by KALAHI-CIDSS,” the DSWD-13 said.
The project will directly benefit 578 households, including the 120 families enrolled in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) of the agency, by gaining improved access to timely announcements and barangay-level services.
When reached by phone on Friday, Mildred, 31, a member of 4Ps in the village, affirmed the project’s benefits as described by DSWD-13.
“We will be updated with local announcements and government advisories from our barangay, the municipality, and even from the province,” Mildred, who requested anonymity, said in the local dialect.
She added that even announcements and communications related to emergency situations can easily reach households with the new system.
“It is important that we receive updates from the concerned agencies in times of calamities such as typhoons or earthquakes,” Mildred said.
The DSWD-13 emphasized that the project will also enhance disaster preparedness, civic engagement and responsive local governance. (PNA)