The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through the Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services, National Community Driven Development Program, Additional Financing (KALAHI-CIDSS NCDDP AF) has successfully turned-over the Municipal Isolation Unit to the Municpality of Talugtug on July 19, 2022 at Umali Gym, Brgy. Quezon, Talugtug, Nueva Ecija.

The sub-project is a major response to the challenges of COVID-19 pandemic, especially to the barangays that don’t have the capability to isolate their residents with symptoms of COVID-19.

Nine (9) barangays (Quezon, Quirino, Osmeña, Patola, Sto. Domingo, Nangabulan, Baybayabas, Mayamot 2 and Villa Rosenda) decided to combine their grant for this sub-project amounting to P4,941,521.20 and a shared Local Counterpart Contibution (LCC) of P1,286,273.

The Turnover Ceremony was attended by the Regional Director of DSWD Field Office 3, Marites M. Maristela, CESO IIO, Promotive Services Division Chief, Vilma R. Serrano, Municipal and Barangay officials in Talugtug, and community volunteers.

In her message, Director Maristela highlighted the ownership and significant role of volunteers and partners, “Kami po ay nasa likod lang nagpupush sa inyo at nag-guguide pero kayo po ‘yung sa unahan; kayo po ‘yung gumagawa ng mga aktwal na gawain, ” she said.

The program aims to empower communities in targeted municipalities to achieve improved access to services and to participate in more inclusive local planning, budgeting and implementation.