CABAGAN, ISABELA — The Municipality of Cabagan, a recipient of the 2024 Galing Pook Awards, held a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of its Inclusive Learning Resource Center (ILRC) on June 10, 2025. The project will be funded under the FY 2024 Seal of Good Local Governance Incentive Fund (SGLGIF).

The ceremony was led by outgoing Mayor Christopher “Topi” A. Mamauag and incoming Mayor Milet T. Albano-Mamauag, along with members of the Sangguniang Bayan, LGU functionaries, ILRC teachers, members of the Local Project Monitoring Committee (LPMC), and Punong Barangays.

Representatives from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) were also in attendance, including Officer-in-Charge Cluster Head Cristina B. Somera, Municipal Local Government Operations Officer Ma. Ruby Rose Angelie G. Baccay, and personnel from the Regional and Provincial Project Development and Management Unit (PDMU).

The ILRC is the brainchild of Mayor Topi and focuses on enhancing social protection for children with special needs and their families—sectors often overlooked or underprioritized in mainstream public services. The center affirms that education should be an inclusive experience and aims to ease the burdens of parents by providing services that are fully supported by the LGU.

In his message, Mayor Topi noted that while it is common to use the SGLGIF for infrastructure or vehicle purchases, few have invested in social protection. “This is why we are building the ILRC—because inclusivity and compassion must be at the heart of local governance,” he said.

Once completed, the ILRC will serve as a safe and nurturing space for children with special needs and a support hub for parents, teachers, and social workers—ensuring humane, efficient, and inclusive service delivery for all.

PEO II Louella Marie T. Pader