By Joseph Zambrano

KAPANGAN, Benguet--Government programs and services are reaching even the remote sitios in the barangays here with the financial, livelihood and infrastructure assistance extended by various agencies .

Kapangan Mayor Robert Canuto said the Department of Labor and Employment-CAR (DOLE-CAR) is carrying out livelihood training on food processing, bamboo charcoal making, welding and practical electrical wiring for women and youth.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development-CAR (DSWD-CAR) under its Self Employment Assistance sa Kaunlaran (SEA-K) Program recently gave assistance in the amount of P100,000.00 to the Kapangan Market Vendors Association.

The agency is also sustaining a feeding program for day care children under DSWD’s Kabisig ng Kalahi Feeding Program.
The construction, widening, concreting and asphalting of Tublay- Kapangan- Kibungan national road by the Department of Public Works and Highways is on-going especially in critical areas. This road improvement project will make travel faster , safer and more comfortable, and farmers can bring their products to the market easier. Its improvement could also provide better access to tourist and other points of interest in the municipality.

Canuto explained that with these assistance coming from the government under President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, the municipality is hopeful to be elevated to a 3rd class municipality from its current 4th class status.

“We should sustain all programs regardless of who the next leader will be, institutionalize them for the economic welfare of the masses so we can alleviate poverty,” Canuto added.

Meanwhile, silk production, which is the One Town One Product (OTOP) here is fast growing. From the 20 rearing house in 2007, there are now 70 rearing houses in operation, with buyers coming from as far the Visayas, where they combine their piña fabric with silk.

“We hope to also make expansions as there are times when we cannot meet the high demand of our buyers,” Canuto said. **PIA