Persons with disabilities play a significant role in community development, proving that determination knows no bounds. Carlos Fajardo, a person with disability from Barangay Quigaray in Bagamanoc, Catanduanes, is an example of how personal struggles can lead to a lifelong commitment to bayanihan.

In 1990, Carlos lost his leg in a workplace accident. But instead of feeling defeated because of this tragic incident, he found a deeper purpose: to give back to his community. He became a volunteer for the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Field Office V – Bicol Region’s Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS). Today, he also serves as a Barangay Councilor.

Since joining the Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Committee of KALAHI-CIDSS nine years ago, Carlos has never looked back.

“Ninais ko na makibahagi sa implementasyon ng mga proyekto dahil isa ako, ang aking pamilya, ang maaaring magbenepisyo sa mga proyekto hindi lamang sa ngayon kundi maging sa darating pang panahon,” he shared.

(I chose to be involved in the implementation of these projects because I, along with my family, could benefit from them not just now but also in the future.)

Carlos draws motivation from the idea that these projects should benefit not only the present but also future generations.

Through the collective action of Barangay Quigaray, residents have seen real change such as a drainage system to prevent flooding, an e-library to support students including Carlos’ children, the repair of the Child Development Center, and additional amenities.

The covered canal project, funded by the National Community-Driven Development Program (NCDDP), cost PHP 1,223,727.00 and benefited 64 households.

Meanwhile, the provision of amenities for the Child Development Center (PHP 132,999.00) and the establishment of an e-library (PHP 155,962.00) benefited nine and 39 households respectively, both funded under NCDDP Additional Financing.

The repair of the Child Development Center, costing PHP 90,909.50 and benefiting eight households, was supported by the Philippine Multisectoral Nutrition Project (PMNP). These projects were also made possible through counterpart contributions from the Municipal and Barangay Local Government Units.

Despite using a prosthetic leg, Carlos remains dedicated. He shared that there were times when attending meetings and encouraging indifferent residents was challenging, but he pressed on, driven by his vision of a united and progressive barangay.

Carlos believes true development requires everyone’s involvement.

“…sabi ko talaga yung pagtulong is para sa pangkalahatan talaga, hindi para sa pansarili lang na benepisyo,” he said.

(I always say that helping should truly be for everyone, not just for personal gain.)

Drawing from his experience as a community volunteer, Carlos became a Barangay Councilor to further strengthen community involvement and sustain development efforts.

Carlos likens his journey from volunteer to public servant to building a family — it thrives on proper communication, understanding, and prayer.

“…dapat ang mga anak ay mai-guide nang tama para hanggang sa paglaki nila ay maganda ang kanilang patutunguhan. Katulad din yan sa isang project na talagang dapat pag-aaralan ng komunidad, ng community volunteer, at dapat po ay tulong-tulong. Dapat ma-guide yung mga tao sa proseso ng implementasyon ng proyekto para maging maganda yung takbo ng patrabaho, hanggang sa matapos,” he explained.

(Children need to be guided properly so that when they grow up, they’ll have a good future. It’s the same with a project — the community and volunteers must study it well and work together. People must be guided through the implementation process so that the work flows smoothly until completion.)

More than just a volunteer or councilor, Carlos Fajardo is a pacemaker who shows that when people overcome challenges and communities unite, growth is not only possible – it’s certain.