Bridges are beautiful. They shorten paths. They overcome obstacles. They provide symmetry.
In Brgy. Cabugan, Buruanga, Aklan a usually swollen creek has long impeded life in the village. Its recurring floods has posed dangers to families, especially with small children. It has inhibited students from going to school resulting to a high rate of absenteeism and hampered the transport of goods and other life-sustaining activities.
Community volunteer, Erland Dagohoy, 40, has seen this happen time and again. “The students do not bother to go to school when it floods,” he said. Clearly, there is a need to build a bridge in order to improve lives.
EMPOWERING STAKEHOLDERS
But before the physical infrastructure can be built, other bridges need to be put up. The Kalahi-CIDSS program fits the bill perfectly as it fills the gap between government and the governed. The program’s community-driven approach also empowered stakeholders to prioritize their needs and get engaged in the project.
It was difficult to find a contractor for such a small project in a remote place. But, with diligence and perseverance, they finally found one from far away Mindoro.
Vincent Dee Flores, 40, a teacher, volunteered to become Barangay Sub-Project Management Committee Chairperson. He headed the committee of other volunteers, getting to work willingly and without pay.
Vincent was able to meet and divide his responsibility as BSPMC chairperson without compromising his job as a teacher. For him, it was a learning experience.
“I found that Kalahi-CIDSS enriched my experience as a teacher. I was able to assist even our Barangay Chairman in formulating the action plan and other documentation,” he said.
NO MORE WET FEET
Asked why he volunteered in Kalahi, he said it is because he has a heart in helping those in need. This time, he was helping not just his students but also his neighbors and family in Brgy. Cabugan.
With the footbridge built, Flores was happy to note seeing students passing by already in full dress for their graduation. Unlike before when they had to remove their shoes before crossing the river, now their feet will no longer get wet.
Also, the local folk have now found it a lot easier to bring their products-like vegetables, copras and palay to the market. Thanks to all who volunteered.
LESSONS LEARNED
The Kalahi-CIDSS process of building a bridge in the Buruanga barangay proves the point that when people are empowered to determine the kind of projects they need, they become more engaged in all aspects and stages of the project until its fruition. They were able to establish stronger links among themselves, with local leaders and with the national government. No ordinary flood can wash away such kind of relationship.
Following the successful footbridge project, Brgy. Cabugan is also being prioritized for the 3rd Cycle Implementation of Kalahi-CIDSS with another proposed project, Solar-powered streetlights. Hopefully, this will be another of the proposed project that will spotlight the virtues of an engaged and empowered community.# (Pauline Rivera/Kalahi-CIDSS/DSWD)