Tagbina, Surigao Sur highlights 2024 milestones
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
TAGBINA,
Surigao del Sur (PIA) – The municipality of Tagbina emerged as a beacon of
collaborative governance, earning an impressive total of 40 awards from its
partners—a testament to the power of unity and shared vision in driving
meaningful change in 2024.
The local government of Tagbina under
Mayor Glaiza Jane Polizon-Lanete delivered programs and projects that have
profoundly improved the lives of its people while aligning with the national
development goals of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. (PBBM).
With the substantial investment of P186.8 million, the LGU transformed Tagbina through initiatives spanning infrastructure, education, healthcare, and social services benefited by 29,341 Tagbinanhons. The funds provided by the national government, through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga Regional Office, has been instrumental in driving these developments.
Infrastructure development
In support of PBBM’s agenda on “Build Better More,” Tagbina prioritized infrastructure that connected people and opportunities. Under the KALAHI-CIDSS program's Additional Financing Phases 1 and 2, P37,803,000 in funding was secured from the DSWD KALAHI grant and LGU counterpart contributions. This enabled the successful turnover of 39 sub-projects across 19 barangays, addressing key community needs and fostering long-term progress.
One among the heartwarming accomplishments was the establishment of the indigenous peoples’ Cultural Center, the first of its kind in the Philippines. Funded by the Kapit‐Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan ‐ Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn o PAMANA Community Driven Development Program for Indigenous People (KALAHI‐ CIDSS PAMANA IP-CDD), the P6.1 million project is a testament to the resilience and rich heritage of the tribal community. For many Indigenous families, this center represented a long-overdue recognition of their contributions to society.
Investing in tomorrow through education and youth
Education has been a cornerstone of Tagbina’s vision for the future. By providing scholarships and upgrading school facilities, the LGU ensured that even the most underprivileged students have a shot at a better life.
In line with this vision, the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) played a pivotal role in providing access to education, health, and nutrition. A total of 3,029 households were supported, with P70,285,450 disbursed to strengthen family well-being and improve opportunities for future generations.
To ensure the sustainability of 4Ps initiatives, four local policies were enacted, bolstering the program’s impact within the municipality. Based on the report, 725 households successfully graduated from the program, marking a significant milestone in their journey toward self-sufficiency and empowerment.
Transforming communities through social empowerment:
Under the banner of #GalayCares, the LGU championed initiatives that uplifted the marginalized sectors. Skills training, financial assistance, and community-driven projects were given to women, out-of-school youth, and vulnerable families the tools they needed to improve their lives.
The LGU successfully organized and funded 17 Sustainable Livelihood Programs (SLPs) across 15 barangays, allocating P8,800,000 to provide these programs with the resources necessary to turn their visions into reality. These SLPs created opportunities for collective growth and collaboration, empowering communities to chart their path toward sustainable development.
Embracing a community-driven approach, 1,247 dedicated volunteers were trained and empowered, fostering a spirit of collaboration and ensuring that local development remains inclusive, participatory, and deeply rooted in the needs of the people.
The power of partnership
The local chief executive credited the success of these programs to the unwavering support of the provincial government and the Office of the Surigao del Sur 2nd District Congressional Representative. Their collaborative efforts exemplified how unity across different levels of government could foster progress.
Through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program, P29,958,000 was distributed to 10,695 beneficiaries, offering crucial financial support to families in dire need. Similarly, the program on TUPAD (Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers) addressed unemployment while contributing to community development. With an allocation of P6,860,700, this initiative benefited 1,782 Tagbinanhons, helping them sustain their families while participating in meaningful local projects.
As 2025 began, Tagbina poised to expand upon previous triumphs, looking ahead, Additional Financing Phase 3 of the program is already underway, with 21 new sub-projects proposed to continue upholding the Community-Driven Development (CDD) approach. It would ensure that the recipient-barangays and the communities as well remain active participants in shaping their futures, fostering sustainable growth and empowerment for years to come. (Photo courtesy of SPD, LGU Tagbina/NGPB, PIA-Surigao del Sur)
