Funded under the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD), Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS), the newly built concrete footbridge with pathway can now provide better access to 228 households in Barangay Calawit, San Jose, Camarines Sur.

The subproject with a total project cost of PHP 3,584,184.80, was officially turned over to the community on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. It provides an important link for residents to access services such as schools, markets, health centers, and other activities in the barangay.

The inauguration and turnover ceremony was attended by the Municipal Local Government Unit (MLGU), led by Municipal Mayor Jerold B. Peña, barangay officials, community volunteers, the KALAHI-CIDSS National Program Management Office, the Regional Program Management Office, the Area Coordinating Team, and the Municipal Coordinating Team.

Mayor Peña described that the KALAHI-CIDSS program is more than the infrastructures constructed, but the active role of the community in the development.

“…main objective of this activity is not actually erecting establishments, edifice, or concreting pavements but is to actually empower the people,” he said.

Echoing Mayor Pena’s statement on the program’s main objective, which is to empower people, Emily Onsay, a community volunteer who assumed the role of chairperson of Barangay Development Council – Technical Working Group, shared her experience in implementing the subproject.

“Napakahalaga sa akin ang karanasan na ito. Noong una, madali lang maging bahagi ng proyekto, ngunit habang tumatagal doon ko nakita ang halaga ng sakripisyo, pagtitiyaga,” she recounted.

(This experience is very important to me. At first, it seemed easy to be part of the project, but as time went on, I realized the true value of sacrifice and perseverance.)

Onsay has seen firsthand that genuine service comes from the hearts of the community members, and all the hardwork becomes its own reward. Being a volunteer has taught her humility, cooperation, and the essence of bayanihan.

“Ang tulay na ito ay hindi lamang daanan na nagdurogtong ng kabilang panig ng aming barangay. Ito ay simbolo ng pagkakaisa, pagtutulungan, at malasakit ng bawat mamamayan,” she added.

(This bridge is not just a way that links the two sides of our village. It is a symbol of unity, cooperation, and compassion in every citizen.)

Through the KALAHI-CIDSS program, it continues to empower residents by giving them the opportunity to participate in the planning, implementing, and sustaining interventions that will further improve the quality of life in their barangays.