In President Carlos P. Garcia, a formerly muddy and difficult road in Barangay Lipata that hindered 181 households from accessing markets and emergency services has now become a sturdy concrete road, thanks to the efforts of a women-led community organization.
From Peril to Progress
For many years, the box culvert that served as the only passage in the barangay was dangerous, especially during the rainy season. It slowed down travel for fishermen and farmers and put residents at risk during emergencies.
“Before, our road was a major obstacle to our livelihood and safety,” said Aiza G. Gaerlan, barangay treasurer and member of the Lipata Integrated Women Workers’ Association (LIWWA). “Because of the difficulty of the path, our harvests were hard to transport, especially during the rainy season. Worse, the situation was terrifying when someone was sick or in an emergency because vehicles could not enter,” she added.
Community-Driven Transformation
The change came through the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) program, which funded the concreting of the road with grouted riprap. But beyond the PHP 1.04 million project cost, residents recognize that the real investment was community participation and ownership.
At the center of the movement is LIWWA, a group with 66 members including women and LGBTQ individuals, who led the planning, implementation, and monitoring of the project. Through a community-driven approach, they spearheaded consultations, promoted inclusive decision-making, and mobilized volunteers.
Completion and Impact
The project was completed on June 20, 2025, and has completely transformed daily life in the barangay. The once dangerous road is now a reliable concrete road reinforced with riprap. Transport of products for the 181 beneficiary households is now faster and cheaper. It has also become an example of Gender and Development (GAD), showing that when women and LGBTQ lead, the entire community benefits.
Due to their excellent performance in implementation, LIWWA was officially designated as the Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Group, giving them responsibility for managing and protecting the infrastructure.
“This is not just a road for us. It is a symbol of our hard work. As women and members of LIWWA, we have proven that we can lead a project that greatly helps the barangay,” said LIWWA President Ligaya P. Costillas.
According to residents, the great change goes beyond infrastructure. Through transparent fund management and unified effort, the sense of project ownership has been strengthened — a remarkable example that has become a pillar of local governance.
In Barangay Lipata, the concrete road now stands as a symbol of what inclusive and community-driven development can achieve: faster livelihoods, safer passage, and a community that will no longer be left behind.
