“Maka step-in na jud ko.” These words, spoken with a beaming smile by 41-year-old Merlinda Castillo, encapsulate the profound change that has swept through Barangay Libo-o in Ronda, Cebu. For Merlinda, wearing her beloved step-in sandals without fear of ruining them in the mud represents more than just personal comfort—a sign of a brighter, more accessible future.

For years, Merlinda and her fellow residents of Purok Manga faced a daily struggle against the muddy, treacherous roads that cut through their community. The road was a constant source of frustration and hardship, especially during the rainy season when it became nearly impassable. Merlinda recalls how she used to carry her “step-in” sandals in her hands, walking barefoot to avoid damaging them. Despite her precautions, she would go through at least three pairs of sandals a year, their soles worn away by the harsh conditions.

But Merlinda was not alone in her struggle. The poor state of the road affected everyone in the community. Parents often had to carry their children on their backs to keep their school uniforms clean, while farmers faced difficulty bringing their goods to market. The mud didn’t just slow people down; it hindered their progress, making everyday tasks feel like monumental challenges.

Everything changed when the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) introduced the KALAHI-CIDSS (Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services) Sub Project to the barangay. Through the program’s Community-Driven Development (CDD) approach, residents identified the concreting of their barangay road as a top priority. They worked together, pooling their efforts and resources to bring the project to life. With the funding provided by DSWD, the road was concreted, making it smooth and accessible for all.

DSWD officially turned over to the community the road on August 9, 2024, in a ceremony attended by Barangay Captain Hon. Barasabas T. Gimena Jr. and Rosemarie A. Salazar, SWO V and Division Chief of the Promotive Services of DSWD 7. The event marked not just the completion of a road but the conclusion of the KALAHI-CIDSS program in the area. A program that has left behind empowered communities capable of taking charge of their development.

For Merlinda, the newly concreted road means she can now wear her “step-in” sandals to church, fiesta celebrations, and family outings without a second thought. The road was once a source of stress, but now, a path she walks with pride and ease. She no longer has to worry about slipping in the mud or ruining her footwear; instead, she can now enjoy the simple pleasure of walking freely.

Merlinda was grateful as she reflected on the changes brought about by the project. “This road has transformed our lives,” she says. “I’m so thankful to the DSWD’s KALAHI-CIDSS program for making this possible.”

The impact of the road extends beyond Merlinda’s experience. Children now arrive at school with clean uniforms, and farmers can transport their goods to market more efficiently. The entire community has benefited from the concreted, safer road, which has become a symbol of their collective strength and determination.

The turnover ceremony was more than just a formal event—it was a celebration of a community that comes together with a shared vision. As the KALAHI-CIDSS program draws to a close in Barangay Libo-o, it leaves behind a legacy of empowered individuals like Merlinda, who have learned that they can step into a better future, one step-in sandal at a time. ###

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