By Wilson J Hormeguera

Xavier University - Governance and Leadership Institute (XU-GLI) visited barangays Upper Bantawon and Calag-itan of Hinunangan, Southern Leyte, two recipients of the prestigious Galing Pook National Awards on June 1 and 2, respectively.

In 2005, Barangay Upper Bantawon was recognized for the construction of their mini hydroelectric power plant despite the odds of being the farthest village from the city, perilous roads and the community’s poverty.

The perseverance of their barangay council and the cooperation of the Upper Bantawon families helped in providing their village with electricity and livelihood opportunities.

On the other hand, Barangay Calag-itan received the award for their trailblazing project on marine sanctuary and seaweeds production which provided them with alternative livelihood sources aside from fishing.

The community embarked on making other products from seaweeds to increase their income and at the same time, protect their coastal environment.

Aside from highlighting the success of the said projects making the barangays national awardees, XU-GLI’s visits were also aimed at documenting their community’s sustainability efforts.

The documentation of their stories will serve as inspiration for community empowerment and XU-GLI’s future capacity-building engagements.

Established in 1993, Galing Pook is a joint initiative of the Local Government Academy - Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Ford Foundation and advocates of good governance from the academe, civil society and public sector.