DSWD launchescommunity resilienceproject in Zambales,inks pact with LGUs

IBA, Zambales — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) launched the Panahon ng Pagkilos: Philippine Community Resilience Project (PCRP) in Zambales on April 15, strengthening national efforts to build disaster-resilient and empowered communities.
Implemented under the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services, the PCRP provides targeted support to barangays, particularly those with limited resources, through community-driven projects that address critical gaps in infrastructure and social services.
These interventions aim to enhance local resilience while promoting inclusive and sustainable development at the grassroots level.
The launch also included the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between the Provincial Government of Zambales, led by Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., and DSWD Central Luzon, headed by Regional Director Venus Rebuldela, to ensure the effective implementation of the program.
Local government units from the municipalities of Botolan, Cabangan, Palauig, Iba, San Marcelino, and Subic joined the agreement, represented by their respective local chief executives and officials.
Rebuldela thanked the provincial government for supporting the project, noting that Zambales is the first province in Central Luzon to implement the PCRP.
“The project strengthens the aspect of resilience in community-driven development (CDD), where communities themselves plan, implement, and sustain sub-projects that address the issues in their locality. They carry the CDD process to help their communities in partnership with the local government units,” she explained.
During the activity, PCRP Deputy Regional Program Manager Aladin Naje discussed the importance of strengthening community capacities to prepare for and respond to various risks and disasters.
He emphasized that the program enables communities to take an active role in identifying and addressing their priority needs.
Governor Ebdane assured the full support of the provincial government for the implementation of the PCRP.
He expressed optimism that the program will help improve the capacities and livelihoods of Zambaleños, leading to more resilient and progressive communities.
The PCRP forms part of the government’s broader agenda to reduce vulnerability and build sustainable communities, in line with national goals on poverty reduction and disaster risk resilience. (PIA R3)