Written By: May Anne B. Pelenio | Photos By: May Anne B. Pelenio, Engr. Mc Allen B. Barrientos, Reeven Sheena L. Tan

Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Regional Office IX, through its Project Development and Management Unit (PDMU), conducted site inspections, documentary validations, and community documentation activities in the municipalities of Josefina and Tambulig, Zamboanga del Sur, as part of the pre-implementation requirements for infrastructure projects funded under the Local Government Support Fund – Support and Assistance Fund to Participatory Budgeting (LGSF-SAFPB) 2026.

Led by Regional Engineer Engr. Mc Allen Barrientos, together with Provincial Engineers Vanessa Tompong and Darvin Jay, the team visited the proposed project sites to assess their readiness for implementation and validate compliance with technical and documentary requirements.

On June 3, 2026, the team conducted a site inspection in the Municipality of Josefina for the proposed Water Supply System Project amounting to Php 13,333,333.00. The inspection focused on evaluating the identified water source and assessing its suitability and sustainability to serve the target communities. The activity also included documentary validation to ensure the completeness and accuracy of project requirements necessary for successful implementation.

Meanwhile, on June 4, 2026, the team proceeded to the Municipality of Tambulig to inspect the proposed Smart Evacuation Center Project. Recognized as a catch basin for neighboring barangays during periods of heavy rainfall and flooding, Tambulig has identified the need for a modern evacuation facility that can provide a safer and more resilient refuge for affected residents during emergencies and disasters. Documentary validation was likewise conducted to verify project documents and ensure compliance with program standards, contributing to the delivery of a quality infrastructure project for the municipality.

Beyond the technical and documentary assessments, both activities served as platforms for community engagement and documentation. The team conducted interviews and gathered stories from residents and prospective beneficiaries to better understand their experiences, challenges, and aspirations.

Present during the activities were the respective Municipal Mayors, and Municipal Local Government Operations Officers (MLGOOs) who expressed their support and commitment to the successful implementation of the proposed projects.

The site inspections and documentary validations underscore DILG IX’s commitment to ensuring that government-funded infrastructure projects are thoroughly assessed, properly documented, and responsive to the genuine needs of local communities. Through collaboration among national and local government stakeholders, these initiatives aim to promote inclusive development, enhance public safety, and improve the well-being of residents across Zamboanga del Sur.