Communities in Tapaz town in Capiz were suffering from limited access and transportation challenges until the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services or KALAHI-CIDSS, through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) made way to make life better for its residents, especially the indigenous people (IP).

Tapaz town is one of the municipalities in the province of Capiz whose residents in the upland barangays had to walk long hours or ride a “habal-habal”, a motorcycle taxi charging exorbitant service fees. 

The agonizingly long and dangerous path to walk limits the children's access to a better education. Access to health care and selling farm produce to the town proper is an everyday struggle.

The KALAHI-CIDSS, a poverty alleviation program of the national government, serves as the path from poverty to a better life for these upland residents.

“Maka-eskwela na sa banwa ang amon mga kabataan sang manami kag ang amon produkto madali na madala sa banwa (Our children can now study in good schools in the town and our products can be easily transported to the town proper),” Gilbaliga stated.

Tapaz town Mayor Roberto Palomar said that the road, which will serve residents from several upland barangays, is more than just a concrete or a pathway.

“This road is a symbol of our unity, collective dedication to a brighter future, and the transformation of our upland barangays,” Palomar added. (AGP/PLF/PIA Capiz)