IBA, Zambales — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has launched the Panahon ng Pagkilos: Philippine Community Resilience Project (PCRP) in Zambales to strengthen national efforts to build disaster-resilient and empowered communities.

DSWD Central Luzon Regional Director Venus Rebuldela and Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. signed a memorandum of agreement on April 15 to ensure the effective implementation of the program.

Zambales was the first province in Central Luzon to implement the PCRP, Rebuldela said.

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.

Representatives from the local government units of Botolan, Cabangan, Palauig, Iba, San Marcelino, and Subic also signed the agreement, signifying their support to the program.

During the activity, Rebuldela stressed the importance of LGU participation 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.

PCRP Deputy Regional Program Manager Aladin Naje, meanwhile, 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.

For his part, Gov. Ebdane assured the full support of the provincial government to the PCRP and

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. – Rick P. Quiambao (PIA)

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[Page 2 – 2a] Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. and DSWD Regional Director Venus Rebuldela sign an agreement for the implementation of the Philippine Community Resilience Project in Zambales (GO)