In the quiet coastal town of Samboan, Cebu, a once-empty COVID-19 isolation center now hums with life. What began as a temporary response to a global crisis has evolved into something more enduring—a community-run mini hospital serving 15 barangays.
This transformation was made possible through the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Kalahi-CIDSS program, a project that empowers communities to identify, design, and manage development initiatives based on their own needs.
From pandemic hardship to public health progress, the story of Barangay San Sebastian shows how unity, volunteerism, and shared vision can heal not only individuals but entire communities.
From Isolation Facility to Mini Hospital
When the pandemic hit, Samboan—like many remote towns—faced a harsh reality: there was no nearby hospital or emergency facility. Residents needing urgent care often traveled long hours to reach the nearest city.
At the height of COVID-19, local leaders built a Barangay Isolation Facility in San Sebastian with support from DSWD’s Kalahi-CIDSS (Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services) program.
It was a temporary structure meant for isolation and monitoring. But when the crisis eased, the community saw a bigger purpose waiting to unfold.
“We didn’t want this building to go to waste. It could serve our people in other ways,” shared one resident during the video interview.
What happened next was a remarkable act of community transformation.
How 15 Barangays United for Change
In the first part of the video, the story deepens—fifteen barangays joined hands to repurpose the facility. The idea came not from an external donor, but from the people themselves.
Under the Kalahi-CIDSS framework, residents actively participated in planning, construction, and budgeting. The program’s core principle—community-driven development—ensures that locals lead every step, from project design to implementation.
Each barangay contributed manpower and resources, guided by transparency and accountability.
Meetings were held in open spaces. Volunteers tracked materials and expenses. Every nail, every wall, and every bed frame represented bayanihan in action.
“We built this together,” said one of the project volunteers. “That’s why we take care of it like it’s our own home.”
Funding, Support, and Local Government Partnership
The video highlights a crucial point: collaboration between citizens and local government.
The LGU of Samboan pledged funds for hospital staff, maintenance, and the purchase of an ambulance. DSWD, through Kalahi-CIDSS, provided the community grants and technical support to ensure compliance with health standards.
Key principles guided every decision:
- Transparency: All expenses were publicly disclosed.
- Participation: Every barangay had a voice in design and function.
- Accountability: Local officers ensured proper use of funds and resources.
This balance of government support and community ownership created a model for sustainable local governance.
Inside the Facility: Built by the People, for the People
In the video, viewers see the heart of the project—the newly refurbished mini hospital that replaced the old isolation rooms.
Here’s what’s inside:
- Eight patient rooms with hospital beds and air conditioning
- Clean restrooms and handwashing stations for hygiene compliance
- Wheelchairs and oxygen tanks for emergency use
- An ambulance for rapid response across barangays
The facility, though modest, feels professional and well cared for. The walls are freshly painted, and local staff keep the premises spotless.
One nurse in the video shared how the improvements have changed their daily work:
“Before, we didn’t have a proper place to treat patients. Now, we can provide care with dignity.”
A Lifeline for 15 Barangays
With all this development, the impact becomes clear. The mini hospital now serves 20–25 patients daily, providing a range of essential services:
- Outpatient consultations for common illnesses
- Emergency care for minor injuries and urgent cases
- Maternal health services, including prenatal checkups and safe deliveries
- Monthly medication distribution for chronic conditions
The facility also supports vaccination drives and health education sessions—critical for preventive care in remote communities.
What once stood as a reminder of isolation now stands as a beacon of access and hope.
The Power of Shared Ownership
The story closes with a powerful lesson: ownership sustains change.
Because the community itself built and continues to manage the facility, maintenance never became a burden—it became a shared responsibility.
Barangay officials, volunteers, and residents regularly check on cleanliness, supplies, and service quality. The sense of pride is palpable.
“This project is a symbol of our unity,” said the barangay captain. “We proved that even a small town can do great things when we work together.”
Kalahi-CIDSS helped them unlock not just funding, but also the belief that empowerment starts from the ground up.
What This Project Teaches Other Communities
- Start with Shared Goals
Success begins when everyone agrees on a common purpose—like providing better healthcare access. - Involve the Community from Day One
Engagement builds trust and accountability. People protect what they helped create. - Use Transparency as a Tool, Not a Slogan
Public meetings and open records keep projects honest and sustainable. - Partner with Local Government
Combining DSWD support with LGU resources ensures long-term viability. - Repurpose Wisely
Existing structures, when repurposed, can quickly meet community needs without large budgets.
Each of these lessons reinforces how Kalahi-CIDSS continues to redefine development—not as a top-down effort, but as a bottom-up movement for change.
The Role of DSWD Kalahi-CIDSS in Empowering Communities
The Kalahi-CIDSS program is one of the DSWD’s flagship initiatives under its poverty alleviation framework.
Purpose of the Program
To reduce poverty by empowering communities to identify, design, and implement projects that directly address local needs.
Scope and Coverage
Implemented in rural and disadvantaged areas across the Philippines, often reaching barangays that lack access to infrastructure or services.
Rights and Participation
Community members are treated not as beneficiaries but as decision-makers—with full rights to plan, implement, and monitor their chosen projects.
Accountability
Strict transparency protocols ensure that funds are used responsibly. Barangay assemblies serve as forums for updates and public audits.
Penalties and Oversight
Any misuse of funds or project manipulation can result in administrative sanctions, funding withdrawal, or legal action under government procurement laws.
Where to Learn More
You can learn more or report project-related concerns through the DSWD Field Office VII (Central Visayas) or the official Kalahi-CIDSS website: https://kalahi.dswd.gov.ph
From Crisis to Community Strength
The San Sebastian story shows that the end of a pandemic didn’t mark the end of collective effort—it marked a new beginning.
What started as a simple isolation building now stands as proof that when citizens are trusted to lead, real progress happens.
Through Kalahi-CIDSS, DSWD has turned empowerment into practice, showing that development is not about giving aid—it’s about giving people the tools to build their own future.
In Samboan, the legacy is clear:
When a community takes ownership, healing never stops.