21/10/2025
Reaching the Unreached: DSWD’s Project M.A.R.T.H.A. Brings Hope to the Remote Sitios of Aguinaldo, Ifugao
As part of its continuing commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind, the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office CAR (DSWD FO CAR) together with its partners conducted Project M.A.R.T.H.A. on October 17, 2025, in the isolated sitios of Halag 1 and 3, Barangay Aguinaldo, Ifugao.
A Mission of Compassion and Connection
Project M.A.R.T.H.A., which stands for “Mobilizing Advocates to Reach, to Transform, and to Help all in Need,” is a homegrown initiative of DSWD FO CAR spearheaded by Regional Director Maria A. Catbagan-Aplaten, fondly known as RD Malaya. The project draws inspiration from her late mother’s name and the biblical Martha — known for her service-oriented heart.
This outreach program is designed to support the underprivileged and to unite altruistic individuals and organizations — both within and outside the government — in creating meaningful impact in the lives of the Department’s poor clienteles.
Before even reaching the communities, the DSWD FO CAR team and partners demonstrated the true essence of M.A.R.T.H.A. by riding a boat across Magat Dam for 45 minutes, navigating calm yet vast waters to reach the sitios where the floating houses of Halag are found. The journey symbolized not just distance covered but the agency’s steadfast commitment to bridge isolation and deliver hope to even the most hard-to-reach areas.
Service Beyond Boundaries
Unlike regular DSWD field operations, Project M.A.R.T.H.A. innovatively “rides on” scheduled payouts or subsidy distributions in different LGUs. This approach allows the DSWD FO CAR to address the unmet and diverse needs of communities that existing social policies may not cover — strengthening collaboration between the public and private sectors and optimizing partnerships with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) under the Bantay, Gabay, Tulay, and Kaagapay framework.
This activity marks the second leg of Project M.A.R.T.H.A. in Ifugao, following its successful first run in Mayoyao, Ifugao on October 5, 2025. Once again, the project was made possible through the unwavering support of the Officers’ Ladies Club (OLC) Ifugao), led by Ma’am Rose Oyawon, wife of Provincial Director PCOL Jeremias G. Oyawon of the Ifugao Provincial Police Office (IPPO). Under their inspiring leadership, OLC Ifugao and IPPO stood as the major partners of the initiative—mobilizing resources, donations, and dedicated manpower to reach and serve the remote communities of Halag 1 and 3 with compassion and commitment.
Bringing Joy to Halag 1
At Sitio Halag 1, the DSWD team, together with the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), provided fruits and snacks to 13 of the 17 Day Care pupils, while equipping the Day Care Worker with school and office supplies for classroom use and reporting. Parents joined in preparing meals under the Supplementary Feeding Program, fostering cooperation and warmth within the community.
The OLC Ifugao and PNP Ifugao also visited Halag 1 Elementary School, where four dedicated teachers nurture young learners daily. They distributed slippers, snacks, and school supplies — small yet meaningful gifts that brought smiles and motivation to every child who received them.
Extending Help to Halag 3
At Sitio Halag 3, the DSWD team validated identified families to ensure accuracy and uphold the 4Cs—correctness, consistency, completeness, and cleanliness—before the payout. A short program followed, led by Ms. Irene Pongas, Area Coordinator of DSWD KALAHI-CIDSS, while other DSWD and PSWDO staff visited the Day Care Center to interact with 17 pupils and administer the Supplementary Feeding Program Monitoring Tool.
Kagawad June Alang welcomed the guests and expressed the community’s gratitude for the government’s effort to reach their isolated area, calling the activity a “rare yet heartfelt gesture of care.”
Messages of Hope and Leadership
Ms. Jobelle Anselmo Batanes, Regional Executive Assistant, shared the story behind Project M.A.R.T.H.A. and delivered the message of RD Malaya. In her message, RD Malaya underscored the importance of bringing government services directly to Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs), echoing the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian.
“The Department must go beyond our offices and city centers. We must reach the last mile so that every Filipino — no matter how far — feels the care and presence of their government,” RD Malaya emphasized.
Meanwhile, Ms. Helaria Wacoy (MSWDO), Ms. Imelda Tuguinay (PSWDO), SWAD Ifugao staff, and Ms. Lorna Lumioan (SWAD Ifugao Team Leader) discussed the different programs and services accessible to residents, including the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), encouraging the community to organize themselves for future implementation.
Delivering Assistance and Launching Project Care
After the program, 39 beneficiaries of the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens (SPISC) from Sitios Halag 2 and 3 received their monthly stipends. Other validated residents were provided with ₱5,000 in financial aid, a family kit worth ₱1,167.95, and a hygiene kit worth ₱3,131.53 each. In total, 45 out of 57 identified families benefited from the day’s services.
The event also coincided with the launch of Project PANGIPAPTOK (Project Care) at Halag 3 Elementary School, spearheaded by PCOL Jeremias G. Oyawon and the Ifugao Provincial Police Office (IPPO), in partnership with OLC Ifugao, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and JCI Baguio Sunflower. The DPWH provided financial assistance and school materials, while JCI Baguio Sunflower extended additional help by sponsoring snacks and food for participants and volunteers.
The activity featured Oplan Gupit, Oplan Kuto, and Hygiene Support — personally conducted by the police officers and the Officers’ Ladies Club (OLC) themselves. These services offered free haircuts and lice treatments for both students and adults, promoting cleanliness, dignity, and self-confidence among community members. School supplies were distributed to 48 learners guided by four teachers of Halag III Elementary School, and DPWH provided office materials to help teachers in their daily work.
Beyond Peacekeeping: A Shared Mission of Care
An Information and Education Campaign (IEC) on child and family protection was also held, demonstrating the IPPO’s commitment to community welfare beyond peacekeeping. In total, 114 schoolchildren from both Halag 1 and 3 received school supplies, while Halag 3 Elementary School received a scrabble set, chessboard, Word Factory game, and five swimming sets for its aspiring student-athletes. The IPPO further turned over slightly used items — bags, shoes, toys, and clothing — for the benefit of local families.
Moreover, the DSWD FO CAR also turned-over 2 boxes of vitamins to the Barangay Health Unit.
The Spirit of Baddang Lives On
The collaboration among DSWD FO CAR, OLC Ifugao, PNP Ifugao, DPWH, and JCI Baguio Sunflower embodied the Ifugao value of “Baddang” — the spirit of mutual aid, solidarity, and collective responsibility that uplifts communities through compassion and shared effort.
For the people of Halag, the visit was more than a program — it was a moment of connection, kindness, and hope.
“You rarely see government workers and police officers trek to our sitio, but today they came with smiles, gifts, and care. We feel remembered,” said Kag. Alnang, his voice filled with gratitude.
Through Project M.A.R.T.H.A., DSWD FO CAR and its partners continue to prove that with compassion, collaboration, and commitment — no one, no matter how far, will ever be left behind.
Contributors: Ms. Jean Marie Capuyo, Jobelle Batanes
Photos: SWAD Ifugao, Jobelle Batanes & Ms. Irene Suaken
