Barangay San Jose, Compostela -Typhoon Pablo’s wrath in December 2012 may have ruined homes, infrastructures and farms of almost 90 percent of residents here, but not their will to survive.
Eduardo T. Elangos, 60 years old, farmer and one of the project procurement team heads, recalls how his community stumbled and how they gained back their life and dignity through KC-NCDDP PAMANA (PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn).
Storm casualty
Prior to the typhoon, most of the farmers lived in small houses in the middle of the rice field. As a Purok Leader, he saw how their community suffered from their measly income from farming.
“I have known the problems of my neighbors and I saw how difficult life was especially on days when they earn nothing. They could not provide the needs of their children including access to education.”
After the typhoon left them with almost nothing, residents thought that no one could save them from the clutch of poverty.
“They are more concerned about their children acquiring education since most residents here weren’t able to finish school. But even the school which provides basic education to their children was shattered.”
“After the tragedy, most of the residents believed that the government ignored them and failed to attend to their needs,” Elangos recounted.
A school after the storm
The tide turned to their favor when KALAHI-CIDSS PAMANA granted the barangay a one unit day care center in Purok 2.
On September 3, 2013, the project was approved during the barangay assembly.
Then a revalidation was conducted by Barangay Officials, Purok Leaders, representatives of religious sector, farmers, and parents.
The community was united in the construction of the day care center with a funding of Php 300,000,00.
“I could say that barangay residents still unite despite the disaster. The tragedy did not dissuade them from cooperating,” reported Elangos.
Village choice
The KALAHI CIDSS-National Community Driven Development Program (KC-NCDDP) capacitates the community to choose, design and implement sub-projects that would address their most pressing needs.
The community chose the day care center project to provide their children a better facility for learning. Through the project, each one is given the chance to take part in the implementation and management.
Presently, 50 households in Barangay San Jose benefit from the day care center.
“Kaya namo ang pag bag-o kay dili lang proyekto ang gihatag sa gobyerno nga natugunan ang mga problema sa among komunidad. Gitagaan pud mi nila ug gahum nga mamuno ug makapag desisyon para sa among komunidad (We are able to improve because government did not only provide us a project but also the power to lead and decide for the community),” Elangos said.
The community regained its trust on the government through KALAHI CIDSS- PAMANA. The village children now have a better place to learn and grow so that someday, they will be able to contribute in building their community. DSWD
