CABAGAN, ISABELA - The municipality of Cabagan has launched several initiatives to enhance educational resources and infrastructure, aiming to improve literacy and provide better learning facilities. A key highlight of these efforts was the Distribution Ceremony of Bookshelves and Tables to all 26 Barangays, designated for their respective Early Childhood Care and Development Centers. Funded by the FY 2023 Seal of Good Local Governance Incentive Fund (SGLG-IF) amounting to P1,800,000.00, this initiative is a crucial part of Project TOPI (Teaching Opportunities Prioritizing Illiteracy), aimed at improving the educational journey of the youth by ensuring they have sufficient access to learning and reading resources. The ceremony, set for July 11, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. at the Cabagan Convention Center, has generated considerable anticipation.
Attendees of the event included the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Regional Director Agnes A. De Leon, Isabela Provincial Director Corazon D. Toribio, and Municipal Mayor Atty. Christopher A. Mamauag, along with barangay officials, and other stakeholders.
RD De Leon, in her inspirational message, expressed her admiration and congratulated the LGU on their pioneering projects, which are the first of their kind in Region 2. She emphasized the use of solar-powered energy for Bahay Pag-asa, noting that such projects are typically required for cities rather than municipalities, making it even more impressive. She congratulated the LCE for the successful implementation of these projects, emphasizing that the success of the LGU is also a success for the National Government.
PD Toribio, commended Mayor Mamauag as the architect of development in the municipality, who has skillfully balanced infrastructure development and social services. She further congratulated the LGU for being the first municipality in the region to provide special education for differently-abled individuals.
Mayor Mamauag highlighted the importance of the fabrication of bookshelves, tables, and chairs for the establishment of barangay public libraries which was made possible through the SGLG-IF. He mentioned that the establishment of Bahay Pag-asa was not within the mandate of the LGU, but since one of the roles of local government is to identify and address gaps in government services, they decided to undertake this project. He stated, "with the establishment of Bahay Pag-asa, we are now focusing on rehabilitation and providing second chances to youth who have been led astray." In his closing remarks, he congratulated the LGU and his fellow public servants for their dedication and hard work.
Additionally, the event marked the launch of several key projects designed to significantly impact the welfare and development of Cabagan’s residents. These included the Bahay Pag-asa at Barangay Mabangug, a dedicated center to provide hope and support to community members; the SPED Center at Barangay Catabayungan, aimed at meeting the educational needs of children with special requirements and ensuring inclusive education; and Cabagan TeleRadyo, an innovative platform for disseminating important information, educational content, and community updates.
IO II Louella Marie Pader and Engr. John Marlo Pascual
