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A newly improved access road in Barangay Sacpil, one of Conner’s far-flung villages, drew the attention of Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian, who visited the site on Wednesday, February 4.
Accompanied by DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao and DSWD–Cordillera Regional Director Maria Catbagan-Aplaten, Gatchalian conducted a walkthrough of the completed road section connecting Purok 6 and Purok 7. The project is a sub-component of the KALAHI-CIDSS National Community-Driven Development Program.
During a dialogue with residents, the Secretary expressed support for a possible next phase of the project, including funding for the concreting of a second lane. He noted that projects implemented with strong community participation tend to be more responsive to local needs and easier to sustain.
The road was first opened in 2023 through KALAHI-CIDSS funding, transforming a muddy footpath into a functional access route. In 2025, further improvements were made through a P3-million concreting project covering about 500 meters with a standard width of 2.5 meters. The upgrade has allowed safer and more reliable access throughout the year.
The project was carried out through the joint efforts of the Sacpil community, the barangay and municipal governments of Conner, and the DSWD.
Provincial officials led by Governor Elias C. Bulut Jr. and Vice Governor Kyle Mariah Chelsea Bulut-Cunan, along with Conner Mayor Jorico Bayaua, Vice Mayor Alex Aswigue, other local chief executives, and provincial department heads joined the site visit.
Residents welcomed the officials with traditional gongs and dances. Beneficiaries said the road has made it easier for farmers to transport produce, students to reach schools, and patients to access hospitals and health facilities, particularly during emergencies.
Meanwhile, Gov. Bulut said that the project is a practical gain from a program that places planning and implementation in the hands of residents themselves, with support from local and national government.
