Residents of the upland village of San Isidro in E.B. Magalona, Negros Occidental now feel safer and more secure with the installation of 27 units of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras funded by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

The project, which costs PHP892,040, was implemented under the agency’s Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services-Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (KALAHI-CIDSS-PAMANA) program.

Village chief Ronnie Loro on Friday thanked the DSWD for the project for the safety and security of villagers.

“This is a big help in keeping our barangay safe. CCTV footage can serve as valuable evidence in investigating crimes and identifying perpetrators,” Loro said in a statement.

The CCTV cameras, installed at Hacienda TCG, Proper and Hacienda Sta. Isabel, were inaugurated and turned over by the DSWD to the community on Thursday.

Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer Emy Lyn Hibionada said the project inauguration is a milestone in the goal for a safer and more secure community in Barangay San Isidro.

The Kalahi-CIDSS-PAMANA aims to reduce poverty in target beneficiaries, assist in the economic recovery of the poor and marginalized, and capacitate communities to protect themselves from the effects of plausible similar disasters and risks brought by conflict.

PAMANA is the government’s framework for peace and development, which follows a converged strategy of resource allocation and utilization, and aims to sustain all ongoing governance and development initiatives in communities affected by past or ongoing conflicts.

Aside from the DSWD-funded project, the recently completed Sitio Calaptan Bridge in Barangay San Isidro, constructed by the Department of Public Works and Highways, is also providing easier access for students in the upland areas to reach school without having to cross the river.

The PHP24.7-million project allows motorists and passengers to reach the town’s farthest village, Barangay Canlusong, passing through Barangay San Isidro. (PNA)