With the full-scale implementation of the FY 2022 Local Government Support Fund – Support to Barangay Development Program (LGSF-SBDP), the ₱4-million worth Farm-to-Market Road at Barangay Tanawan, Capalonga, Camarines Norte officially enters construction phase in a ceremonial groundbreaking held November 18, 2022.

Barangay Tanawan listed the construction of a farm-to-market road as one of their priority projects in their enhanced Barangay Development Plan (eBDP). Community members of the Barangay united and collaborated in the formulation of the eBDP during the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) or Baranggayan sa Bikol, and not long after its conduct, one of the projects in Barangay Tigbinan’s eBDP was enlisted for funding under the FY 2022 SBDP, along with over 300 other projects from 280 beneficiaries in Bicol region.

“Nagpapasalamat po kami nang marami sapagkat ang pagdiriwang na ito ang hudyat ng umpisa ng pagkakaroon ng kalsada na matagal na po naming hinihintay. Malaking tulong po ito sa aming mga kabaranggay lalo na sa mga nakatira sa Purok 3 dahil hindi na sila mahihirapan sa paglabas ng kanilang produkto,” Punong Barangay Jose M. Romano shared, extending the gratitude of Barangay Tanawan to the national government and various National Government Agencies (NGAs) that made the project possible.

PB Romano concluded his message with a call for additional funding for the road extension to benefit more residents not just of Barangay Tanawan but also of neighboring barangays.

“We at DILG Region 5 will continue capacitating our Local Government Units (LGUs) who will then pass the assistance forward to the barangays within their jurisdiction, especially those whose projects are yet to be funded. DILG desires and dreams to continue engaging everyone in the Whole of Nation approach,” DILG 5 Regional Director Atty. Arnaldo E. Escober Jr., CESO V expressed in response to PB Romano, highlighting the government’s mechanism in putting an end to insurgency issues and bridging gaps in peace and development within the communities.

Engr. Rene V. Valera, OPDS Assistant Director and LEO70 PMO Head, also extended DILG Secretary Atty. Benjamin C. Abalos Jr’s congratulatory message to the residents of Barangay Tanawan. Further, he recognized in his message the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders, partner agencies, and LGUs that went into the SBDP implementation.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Government of Camarines Norte and Municipal Government of Capalonga represented by Vice-Governor Hon. Joseph V. Ascutia; and Capalonga Municipal Mayor Hon. Luz E. Ricasio and Vice-Mayor Hon Marsha B. Esturas thanked the national government for bringing forth a transformative initiative and affirmed their continuous commitment and support to their constituents in Capalonga.

The onsite groundbreaking activity was followed by the ceremonial inauguration/turn-over/acceptance of completed FY 2021 SBDP projects; and the groundbreaking and unveiling of FY 2022 SBDP projects granted to the municipality at Capalonga Municipal Covered Court.

The activities were led by DILG Camarines Norte headed by Provincial Director Ray B. Caceres, CESO V in collaboration with the Provincial and Municipal Governments of Camarines Norte and Capalonga, respectively. In attendance were DILG Region 5 Field Officers and Engineers; and heads and representatives of partner NGAs and the security cluster. Officials and locals from the barangays within the Municipality of Capalonga were also present to witness the historic activities.