The latest segment of DILG sa DZRH Breaktime spotlighted successful initiatives led by local government units (LGUs) in Cabagan, Isabela, and Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro. Both areas have implemented impactful programs addressing community needs, such as literacy and environmental sustainability.
Cabagan’s Teaching Opportunities Program
Cabagan Mayor Christopher Mamaoag highlighted the success of the Teaching Opportunities program, a literacy-focused initiative aimed at reducing unemployment among licensed professional teachers (LPTs) while combatting illiteracy in impoverished communities.
"Marami po kasi dito sa aming kababayan mula pong bata pa na hindi marunong magbasa at magsulat," shared Mamaoag, referring to the high illiteracy rate in Cabagan's indigent areas.
Initially launched in 2018, the program also supports parents by offering literacy and numeracy skills, helping them better participate in community discussions and improve their livelihoods.
The program began by hiring five teachers, quickly expanding due to demand, ultimately growing to 75 teachers serving 258 community members.
"Noong 2018 sinimulan po namin yung mga magulang na gustong matuto ng magbasa at magsulat," said Mamaoag.
"Pag may mga meeting hindi uma-attend dahil hindi naiintindihan yung mga pinag-uusapan," he explained, pointing to the challenges illiteracy brings in social situations.
The initiative has since gained recognition and was awarded the prestigious Galing Pook Award for its impact, inspiring replication by other municipalities.
"Ito pong ating proyekto ay kinokopya na ng ibang bayan... at napapansin na rin nila yung ating mga kababayan na hindi marunong magbasa at magsulat," Mamaoag added.
Puerto Galera’s Waste Water Management Program
In Puerto Galera, Mayor Rocky Ilagan outlined the municipality’s Waste Water Management project, which focuses on preserving the environment and safeguarding public health by enhancing wastewater treatment systems.
Puerto Galera, which spans 7,000 hectares of water and 26 hectares of land across 13 barangays, relies on tourism and fishing, with many residents earning a living from these sectors. However, the area's waters faced pollution issues that threatened the community’s health and tourism industry. Mayor Ilagan shared how he witnessed tourists experiencing skin infections due to polluted waters, underscoring the urgency of the initiative.
The LGU approached the national government for funding to construct and upgrade wastewater treatment facilities to meet environmental standards set by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
The project aims to reduce water pollution, protect marine ecosystems, and enhance the quality of life for residents. "Nakita natin 'yung problema, pinagtulong-tulongan nating mga kababayan at narealize namin na kailangang makita kung ano ang dapat gawin at ano ang problema," Ilagan explained.
Since implementing the program, water quality levels have improved, meeting and even exceeding DENR standards. By 2019, pollution levels had decreased significantly, with continuous improvements reported from 2022 to 2024. This progress was achieved through coordinated efforts with the DENR, NGOs, and academic institutions.
Both Cabagan and Puerto Galera exemplify how LGUs can lead initiatives that directly respond to local needs, setting models for other communities to follow. These programs underscore the importance of LGU-driven solutions to address literacy and environmental concerns, improving the well-being and sustainability of their communities.
