ILOILO — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has shifted gears from mere welfare distribution to climate resilience and poverty-proofing, with Secretary Rex Gatchalian recently inspecting two key infrastructure projects worth P5.8 million in Janiuay town.
The move signals the agency’s push for long-term solutions ahead of its 2026 Panahon ng Pagkilos-Philippine Community Resilience Project.
The inspected projects — the P4.22-million Kuyot-Calmay Hanging Foot Bridge connecting three barangays and the P1.6-million Carigangan Bridge serving seven villages — were both built in 2004 under the KALAHI-CIDSS program through a community-driven development (CDD) model.
“Naaprubahan na ng Pangulo ‘yung next na yugto ng pondo for next year. Gusto natin malaman, ano at saan pa tayo makakatulong,” Gatchalian said, affirming President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to channel resources toward marginalized and underserved communities.
Gatchalian emphasized that beyond short-term infrastructure, the real measure of success lies in evaluating long-term impacts. His Iloilo swing included meetings with local governments in Concepcion, Carles, San Joaquin, and Lemery, all set to benefit from the resilience project.
He also consulted with Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries to refine program implementation and ensure smooth graduation of families from cash aid.
On economic empowerment, the secretary pushed for stronger implementation of the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP).
“We want to enhance the SLP because this program has the potential to significantly uplift individuals and families from poverty, providing them with sustainable sources of income,” he said.
The visit likewise highlighted the launch of Iloilo’s first Community-Driven Development (CDD) Day under Provincial Ordinance No. 2025-336, institutionalizing every Wednesday of September as a day of celebration and awareness.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. hailed the move, saying convergence and collaboration remain at the core of Iloilo’s development model.
“Convergence accounts for half of our strategy for a robust, progressive, globally competitive, and resilient province,” Defensor declared.
He vowed provincial support to the DSWD’s programs, stressing:
“We are implementing a ‘whole-of-nation’ strategy while ensuring that our efforts are community-driven. By working together, we can make our initiatives more responsive to the needs of our constituents.”/PN
