To mitigate possible health outbreaks as the rainy season begins, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) field office in Bicol recently inaugurated a centralized quarantine and evacuation facility worth P21.51-million in Libon, Albay.
The newly constructed space was launched during a simple ceremony held on Wednesday, May 29, with local government officials and DSWD-Bicol representatives in attendance. This marked a significant step for the community towards enhancing disaster preparedness.
The facility was funded through the National Community Driven Development Program Additional Financing (NCDDP-AF), according to DSWD-Bicol regional director Norman Laurio.
Construction costs were covered by a P17.99 million grant, supplemented by a P3.52 million contribution from the local government unit (LGU). Around 47 barangays in Libon are expected to benefit from the facility.
On the same day, in Pio Duran, Albay, DSWD-Bicol transferred the management of a village road in Barangay Caratagan. This infrastructure project, valued at P14.3 million, aims to improve accessibility and safety for residents, particularly during adverse weather conditions.
Last Friday, May 24, DSWD-Bicol also turned over a two-storey evacuation center to the local government of Claveria, Masbate. This project worth P14.3 million was likewise financed through the NCDDP-AF under the KALAHI-CIDDS program.
KALAHI-CIDDS stands for Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan (Linking Arms Against Poverty) Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services—a longstanding flagship poverty alleviation program of the DSWD.
The facility in Claveria is expected to benefit 4,570 households across 22 barangays, providing much-needed shelter during calamities.
Laurio emphasized the importance of these facilities in offering temporary refuge for residents with damaged homes during typhoons and other disasters.
Additionally, the DSWD is empowering communities through training and seminars that promote good governance practices. Residents are also empowered through informative training and seminars following the principles of good governance.