Surigao Sur’s remote communities benefit from LGSF electrification, school building projects
By Nida Grace Patosa Barcena
SAN AGUSTIN, Surigao del Sur (PIA) — Five vital infrastructure projects are now benefiting the remote communities in the municipality of San Agustin, Surigao del Sur, advancing the national government’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable rural development under the Bagong Pilipinas agenda.
The recently held turnover ceremony marked the completion of five infrastructure projects under the Local Government Support Fund-Support to Barangay Development Program (LGSF-SBDP), including four renewable energy-based electrification systems in Barangays Kauswagan, Britania, Buatong, and Gata, and a one-story school building in Barangay Pongtod, expanding access to electricity and quality education in geographically isolated communities.
San Agustin Mayor Nicolas O. Alameda, together with Municipal Engineer John Diosdado D. Lamela Jr., led the ceremonial turnover, reaffirming the local government’s commitment to delivering responsive, people-centered development and bringing essential services closer to underserved communities.
For educators and residents, the new school building represents hope and a better future for children.
School Head Junanita Dumas expressed gratitude for the completion of the facility which will serve kindergarten learners in Barangay Pongtod.
“This generous support is a meaningful investment in the future of our learners and our community,” Dumas said.
She added that the new classroom will provide a safer, more conducive, and inspiring learning environment that will help improve the quality of education and empower the next generation.
Implemented through the LGSF-SBDP, one of the flagship initiatives of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), the projects aim to address the root causes of insurgency by bringing much-needed infrastructure and basic services to conflict-affected and vulnerable communities.
The renewable energy systems are expected to improve household living conditions, support local livelihoods, and strengthen the delivery of government services, while the new school building will enhance learning opportunities for young children in the community.
The successful implementation of the projects was made possible through the collaboration of the local government of San Agustin and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga led by Regional Director Maria Loisella E. Lucino, together with Provincial Director Rizza D. Sion and Municipal Local Government Operations Officer Redgy V. Panilan.
The turnover of these LGSF-SBDP projects reflects the continuing efforts of the national government under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to translate peace gains into sustainable development by investing in infrastructure that improves lives, expands access to essential services, and creates opportunities for communities in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur/Photo courtesy of LGU San Agustin)
