The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), through the PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) Program, continues to strengthen peace and development initiatives in conflict-affected and conflict-vulnerable barangays in Kabankalan City in close partnership with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU).
The DSWD’s PAMANA Peace and Development–Negros Island Region (NIR) on Wednesday (February 25) participated in the inauguration and turnover of completed PAMANA sub-projects in Barangay Tagoc, marking another milestone in advancing community resilience and sustainable peace.
Undersecretary Alan Tanjusay of the DSWD’s Peace and Development Group (PDG) reiterated the Department’s commitment to delivering responsive social services and advancing peace efforts in partnership with the OPAPRU.
“Natutuwa ako kasi yung mga bata, dahil malapit lang ang eskwelahan, nagiging matiwasay at ligtas ang kanilang pag tawid dahil sa PAMANA project na One-Unit Barrel Box Culvert,” Undersecretary Tanjusay said in his message of support.
The PAMANA Peace and Development Program has been implemented in Kabankalan City since 2023. For Fiscal Year (FY) 2025, the City sustained implementation across 13 barangays, demonstrating strong program continuity. PAMANA is implemented in qualified barangays for three annual cycles, with Cycle 1 marking the first disbursement of the Peace and Development Fund (PDF) and Cycle 3 as the final phase.
Twelve barangays in Kabankalan City advanced to Cycle 2, while one barangay progressed to Cycle 3, indicating a steady progress and sustained development interventions in conflict-affected communities.
During the 2024 Cycle 1 implementation, Barangay Tagoc completed the Improvement of Community Access Road at Purok Sitio Mangga, benefiting 89 households, with a total grant allocation of Php1,089,579.42 and a Local Counterpart Contribution (LCC) of Php60,420.58.
In 2025, the barangay advanced to Cycle 2 and completed the Construction of One Unit of Barrel Box Culvert, benefiting 75 households, with a total grant allocation of Php1,200,000.00 and LCC of Php518,518.00.
Barangay Orong completed the construction of a foot bridge at Purok Tomombo during its 2024 Cycle 1 implementation, serving 105 households and with a total grant allocation of Php1,561,234.13 and LCC of Php60,420.58.
In 2025, the barangay advanced to Cycle 2 and implemented the construction of One Unit Classroom School Building, benefiting 144 households from a total grant allocation of Php1,872,871.00 and LCC of Php518,129.00.
“Sana ang PAMANA one unit classroom ng Florentino Galang Sr. National High School ay maging susi o inspirasyon [sa mga residente]. Who knows baka dito sa classroom manggagaling ang future president ng Pilipinas,” Undersecretary Tanjusay pointed out.
Barangay Carol-an’s 2024 Cycle 1 implementation on Thursday (February 26), completed the improvement of community access road at Sitio Bula, benefiting 125 households, with a total grant allocation of Php1,189,579.42 and LCC of Php60,420.58.
In 2025, the barangay advanced to Cycle 2 and completed the construction of a hanging footbridge, benefiting 122 households, with a total grant allocation of Php1,391,390.00 and LCC of Php1,657,610.00.
Undersecretary Tanjusay emphasized that PAMANA sub-projects address not only immediate community needs but also reflect the government’s genuine commitment to peacebuilding.
“Malaking silbi ang Carol-an Hanging Footbridge. Maaaring dadami na ang visitors, [pati na] mga paninda at produkto dito na maibebenta dahil maitatawid na. ‘Yung mga mag-aaral na pupunta sa eskwelahan ay hindi na rin mahihirapan,” Undersecretary Tanjusay said.
These sub-projects have improved road connectivity, ensured safer mobility, enhanced access to education, and strengthened community resilience.
They also serve as concrete manifestations of the government’s commitment to addressing the root causes of conflict through inclusive and community-driven development.
Through the sustained collaboration among the DSWD, the OPAPRU, the City Government of Kabankalan, and local communities, the PAMANA Program continues to foster peace, empower communities, and promote long-term development in conflict-affected areas.(KB)
