Ang Pahayagan

ZAMBALES– The local government of San Marcelino, led by Mayor Elvis Soria is among the recipients of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Philippine Community Resilience Project (PCRP).

The project aims to strengthen community resilience by supporting locally identified initiatives that address poverty, disaster risks, and climate-related challenges.

Soria said the municipal government will work closely with communities to identify priority projects that directly address residents’ needs.

“Asahan ninyo na maia-identify namin ang mga tamang programa para sa ikabubuti ng ating mga kababayan. Lubos po ang aming pasasalamat sa DSWD sa pagsama sa LGU San Marcelino sa mahalagang programang ito,” he said.

The project is a component of the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan–Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS), which promotes community-driven development by involving residents in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of projects.

The partnership was formalized through a memorandum of agreement signed by Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., DSWD Regional Director Venus F. Rebuldela, and local chief executives from participating municipalities.

According to the DSWD, Zambales is the first province in Central Luzon to implement the project, which will be carried out in six municipalities: San Marcelino, Iba, Botolan, Cabangan, Subic and Palauig.

In her message, Rebuldela underscored the importance of strong coordination among local government units (LGUs) in improving people’s lives and building resilient communities.

“I believe that the better the coordination between LGU partners, the better the lives of the people. Resilience is our goal—resilience to poverty, disasters, and challenges—so that we can build a more stable and progressive future for communities in Zambales,” Rebuldela said.

During the activity, PCRP Deputy Regional Program Manager Aladin L. Naje presented the project framework, highlighting its goal of helping communities prepare for and respond to socio-economic and environmental challenges.

Ebdane, meanwhile, urged local chief executives to ensure the proper and accountable use of resources provided under the project.

Local officials also signed a manifesto of support, reaffirming their commitment to strengthen collaboration with DSWD and ensure the effective implementation of the initiative.

Also present during the activity were Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer Sahra Soria and MSWDO staff member Crispin Papiona, along with other municipal and provincial officials.

📸 San Marcelino Public Information Office