DSWD Sec. Gatchalian Visits Zamboanga del Sur, Vows Safer Bridges and Better Classrooms

By Sherman Calotes | Philippine People's Press 

ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR — Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian personally visited the municipalities of Midsalip and Dumingag on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 to check on the needs of local communities and announce Government plans for infrastructure improvements.

In Barangay Pisompongan, Midsalip, Gatchalian reiterated President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s commitment, as stated in his recent State of the Nation Address, to construct a footbridge in the area. The project aims to ensure the safety and security of children traveling to and from school, particularly during the rainy season when river crossings become hazardous.

Aside from the bridge, the DSWD chief also assured the construction of additional classrooms to enhance the learning environment for students in the barangay. “Education and safety go hand in hand. We want children to learn in a safe, secure, and supportive environment,” Gatchalian emphasized.

Meanwhile, in Barangay Lower Timonan, Dumingag, the Secretary led a “Community Kamustahan” as part of the DSWD Media Immersion program. There, he also highlighted the importance of building safer and more accessible passageways, recognizing the community’s longstanding appeal for a bridge that would make daily travel especially for schoolchildren more convenient and less risky.

Gatchalian’s visit underscored the government’s focus on improving rural infrastructure, aiming to address the intertwined challenges of safety, accessibility, and education in far-flung barangays.

Source : Philippine information Agency 

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