Barangay Bulacao, one of Talisay City, Cebu’s 22 barangays, stands as a model of community-driven development through its strong support for the KALAHI CIDSS Pag-Abot Program.

The Barangay Local Government Unit (BLGU) has fully embraced the program’s mission, taking significant steps to ensure its success while promoting inclusivity, collaboration, and empowerment within the community.

In February 2025, Barangay Bulacao qualified for the Pag-Abot Program’s Community Assistance Component by successfully reintegrating a beneficiary who had been living on the streets in another city.

The beneficiary, 70-year-old Teodoro Nadela, a married man with three children, received comprehensive support, including reintegration assistance and livelihood support, to help him regain stability and improve his quality of life.

Resilience

At 70, Teodoro has been a strong and inspiring figure in Barangay Bulacao, Talisay City, Cebu.

After losing his job during the COVID-19 pandemic, he lived on the streets of Manila, where he struggled with the difficult life of a homeless person. Exposed to the vulnerability of being homeless, he experienced violence.

But with help from the Pag-Abot Program, he was able to return home and rebuild his life in his community.

This father of three has shown great strength and courage throughout it all.

His life took a positive turn when he became a beneficiary of the Pag-Abot Program, He received comprehensive assistance, including livelihood support, that enabled him to rebuild his life with dignity and purpose.

Now, Nadela is an active and valued member of the Bulacao Barangay Development Council – Technical Working Group (BDC TWG)

His dedication to community service shines through his volunteer roles in the KALAHI CIDSS Pag-Abot Program as a Participatory Situational Analysis (PSA) and Project Preparation Team (PPT) member, where he helps identify community needs and implement solutions.

He further demonstrated his commitment to community development through his consistent participation in meetings and training sessions. His eagerness to learn and unwavering dedication have made him a role model, proving that with the right support and determination, reintegration into society is possible.

Teodoro’s story exemplifies the power of second chances—an inspiring transformation from adversity to community leadership.

Commitment

Meanwhile, recognizing the program’s potential to uplift lives and strengthen local governance, the BLGU council swiftly passed resolutions expressing full support for KALAHI CIDSS Pag-Abot program. These resolutions emphasized the barangay’s commitment to participatory development, empowering the community to identify and address their most pressing needs.

Barangay Bulacao’s active involvement was evident in their consistent participation in key activities, including Barangay Development Council (BDC) meetings, the PSA, and the Project Development Workshop.

Barangay officials and community volunteers worked closely to assess local challenges, prioritize projects, and create sustainable solutions that reflect the true aspirations of their constituents.

One of Barangay Bulacao’s most commendable initiatives was ensuring a well-attended and inclusive first Barangay Assembly for the program.

Recognizing the importance of community participation, the BLGU allocated funds for the event and took an extraordinary step to encourage attendance—providing each participating household with two kilos of rice.

This simple yet impactful gesture showcased the barangay’s generosity and reinforced the value of community involvement, resulting in attendance from more than 50 percent of the target households.

Beyond logistical support, the barangay officials displayed exceptional leadership by rallying various sectors within the community, from women’s groups to youth organizations, to take an active role in the program.

They facilitated discussions, encouraged volunteerism, and ensured that even marginalized community members had a seat at the table.

The successful implementation of Barangay Bulacao in the initial stages of the KALAHI CIDSS Pag-Abot Program presents an inspiring model for other barangays. Their commitment to participatory governance, strategic use of resources, and unwavering dedication to community-driven development have set a high standard for local governance.

Through their efforts, Barangay Bulacao has proven that when local leaders and community members work together with a shared vision, sustainable and inclusive development becomes a reality from a possibility. Their journey with KALAHI CIDSS Pag-Abot is a testament to the power of grassroots initiatives and the boundless potential of a community united with a shared purpose. ###