ILOILO CITY — The Municipality of Calinog won the championship at the 2026 Infrastructure Exhibit for its outstanding Local Government Support Fund implementation. The awarding ceremony, held in celebration of the 35th Local Government Code Month, took place at the Diversion 21 Hotel in Iloilo City.
A Triumph for Local Governance
Organized by the Department of the Interior and Local Government Region VI Project Development Management Unit, the event at SM City Iloilo showcased top projects from six provinces across Western Visayas, including Iloilo, Aklan, Antique, Guimaras, and Capiz.
Calinog proudly represented Iloilo Province, standing out among competitors by presenting a compelling miniature model and detailed narrative. Their victory highlights how targeted investments elevate living standards in rural communities, setting a new benchmark for local governance.
Transforming Lives Through Connectivity
The centerpiece of Calinog's winning entry was its Most Significant Change story featuring the Farm-to-Market Road project in Barangay Marandig. This crucial infrastructure directly tackles longstanding logistical challenges that historically hindered agricultural growth and stalled economic progress in the area.
The improved road access creates a seamless connection between local farmers and established markets, ensuring agricultural products are transported efficiently and safely. This strategic upgrade drastically reduces post-harvest losses and empowers farmers to command fairer prices for their harvests.
By streamlining the daily movement of goods and people, the project catalyzes better livelihoods for residents and fosters robust community development. It stands as a prime example of how localized government interventions yield immediate, tangible, and long-lasting economic benefits for marginalized sectors.
A Testament to Dedicated Public Service
This prestigious achievement is a clear testament to the relentless efforts and unwavering commitment of the local government. It underscores their dedication to implementing high-impact projects that bring genuine, positive changes to the daily lives of their constituents and address their most pressing needs.
The DILG Iloilo Province lauded the municipality for bringing immense honor to the province through this national recognition. The award serves as a powerful motivator for other local government units to prioritize transparency, efficiency, and community-centered planning in all their future infrastructure rollouts.
As Calinog celebrates this milestone, the victory shines a spotlight on the crucial role of the Local Support Fund in bridging critical infrastructure gaps. It proves that when resources are managed effectively, local governments can drive sustainable economic growth and prosperity for all residents.
Strategic Spending for Rural Progress
The successful completion of the Marandig road project demonstrates the transformative power of strategic public spending. By connecting remote farming communities to vital commercial centers, the local government ensures that no sector is left behind in the region's rapid march toward progress.
