Conner: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is set to build an extension office and stockpile warehouse in the municipality of Conner, Apayao in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian signed a deed of lot donation with Conner Municipal Mayor Jorico Bayaua for a 3,000-square-meter lot where the extension office and warehouse will be constructed.
According to Philippines News Agency, while family food packs (FFPs) and other relief goods are already prepositioned nationwide, Gatchalian noted the geographical location and challenging terrain of CAR often make it difficult for the national government to immediately transport relief goods during calamities. He assured that PHP30 million from DSWD funds will be allocated to build the provincial warehouse, especially since the local government unit (LGU) has provided the lot.
The establishment of the extension office and warehouse aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.'s directive to ensure timely assistance to disaster-affected families and individuals. It is also in line with the DSWD's mandate to bring government services closer to the people, especially in hard-to-reach areas.
In addition to the warehouse project, Gatchalian announced a PHP50-million budget allocation for the expansion of community-driven development (CDD) projects under the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) program in Conner to address community-based challenges.
