DAVAO ORIENTAL— For the first time in twenty-seven years, the barangay officials of Barangay Cabangcalan in the municipality of Banaybanay finally has a new barangay hall, giving its workers a more conducive place to work.
Julius Cesar Cuizon, the village chief says he is grateful to Provincial Government for including their barangay as one of the beneficiaries of the province’s Infrastructure Development Priority Projects.
“We have been using the old building since 1992. Now, we can finally transfer to the new and much more convenient one,” PB Cuizon said in his welcome message, reiterating his thanks to the Governor and Provincial Engineer’s Office (PEO).
Cuizon is only one of the six village chiefs whose barangay became the recent recipient under the program.
In a series of blessing and turn-over ceremonies held on November 13-14, Barangays Caganganan, still in Banaybanay, as well as Barangay Cabadiangan, Marayag, and Don Mariano in Lupon town have also formally received their newly completed Barangay Hall.
Punong Barangay Rogelio Ceniza of Caganganan also expressed his utmost gratitude to the governor as the new project gives room to their Sangguniang Kabataan officials and members.
“Our old Barangay Hall is susceptible to flooding. I am also thankful to the Provincial Government because I now have a legacy to leave under my leadership which really shows the people that there is development here in our village—physical development,” Ceniza added.
Complete with office furniture, finishing, porch, pantry, and landscaping, the new building has also earned cheers from the residents, especially in Cabadiangan led by Punong Barangay Claudio Daquiado Sr.
“We won’t have to worry about where to get funding to buy chairs, table, or even air conditioners. Thank you so much for your generosity,” said Punong Barangay Daquiado to Davao Oriental Governor Nelson Dayanghirang.
Each building, which costs P3 Million funded through loan proceeds from the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), is typhoon and earthquake-resistant. OIC Provincial Engineer Ruel Dumadag said that as instructed by Governor Dayanghirang, all structures built by their office should be disaster-resistant noting the province’s history during calamities.
“This is designed by the PEO’s structural engineer to withstand maximum sustained wind of 220 kilometer per hour and an 8.5 magnitude quake. So, we can assure you that this Multipurpose Building cum Command Center or simply Barangay Hall, will be the last one standing when a strong typhoon or earthquake strikes,” a confident Engr. Dumadag said.
Governor Nelson Dayanghirang, who led the series of turn-over ceremonies himself, said that the new infrastructure projects would be used during disasters.
“I don’t want this building to be used only by the people who needed something from the barangay. I want this to be typhoon and earthquake resistant, too, so that incidents are easily managed during disasters,” the governor said.
As needed by the community
Meanwhile, Barangay Causwagan in Banaybanay also received its new Potable Water System.
Punong Barangay Ruel Diola Sr. conveyed his thanks to Governor Dayanghirang for granting his request to prioritize the construction of a Potable Water System instead of a Barangay Hall. He said that PWS is the most urgent need in the community.
The Level III, spring source PWS abundantly supplies water to 153 households in the community, giving respite to villagers who endured years of interrupted water supply.
With a project cost of P5.383 million funded through DBP loan, the project’s scope of works includes the construction of intake box, installation of 3,704.92-meter transmission line, construction of 4x4x4 ground reservoir, installation of 5,092.47-meter distribution pipelines, and installation of blow-off valves.
“I am very thankful to our dear Governor because we really needed steady water supply here. Before, we had to get water from the river because there is not enough water for the whole community from the previous water system. Now we don’t have to worry about water schedules anymore because every house here can connect water pipes to their houses,” said Gina Pilapil, a resident in Causwagan. She vowed to do her part in sustaining the water system such as paying monthly dues to the association that manages the project.
Putting premium in addressing the most urgent needs in the communities, Governor Dayanghirang said that with counterpart of funds from the Municipal Government of Banaybanay, he will put up a Level III water system in the town’s Barangay Poblacion and other adjacent villages.
“I am pleased that your barangay leaders prioritized the most needed project because we, in the Provincial Government, wanted to give each community a project that is really required. And since you are blessed with abundant water supply, Mayor Adalia Lopez and I agreed to address the lack of steady water supply in Barangay Poblacion and other adjacent villages by utilizing your water source here,” the governor said.
More projects to pour out
Governor Dayanghirang said that with the province’s Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) set to increase in 2022, more projects will pour out in each barangay starting next year, giving premium to agriculture, tourism, health, and infrastructure.
“When the IRA of the province increases, so is the IRA of your barangay. But why wait until 2022 when we can avail a loan from DBP?” he said.
“With counterpart from the Municipalities, as I instructed them to align their development priorities with that of the province, my first priority is agriculture development which include livelihood program. We plan to disperse animals such as pig, goat, cow, and native chicken to each household. My next priority is tourism industry. Noting the increase in tourist arrival per year, there will be an increasing demand for hotels and additional job for the locals. Third is health concerns. I want to add facilities in all our hospitals here in the province. And finally, infrastructure project. So, these are the Provincial Government’s priority development agenda to help people get out of poverty. All we ask is your unity and continued support to the program of the government,” Governor Dayanghirang added. By Riza M. Golez/Photos by Eden Jhan Licayan
