Rep. Javier Miguel “Javi” L. Benitez (Neg. Occ., 3rd District) led the inauguration of a new multi-purpose building in Barangay Canlusong, EB Magalona, on Thursday, Nov. 12.
The 16-by-30-meter covered court, with a 6-by-4-meter stage, was funded through a Php 5.25-million allocation under the 2025 General Appropriations Act. It serves 1,539 residents across nine sitios.
Before it was built, community activities were held at the multipurpose hall, the chapel, and an open basketball court on the same site.
According to barangay officials, the hall and chapel became crowded during larger gatherings, while heat and rain at the open court at times cut games short or led to cancelled programs.
The court has hosted Barangay Assembly Day in March 2026, the annual fiesta in May 2026 with a basketball league and giant volleyball games, barangay meetings, a medical mission, a blood donation activity, and food pack distribution during calamities.
Canlusong, the farthest barangay from the EB Magalona town proper, relies mainly on agriculture, with residents growing rice, coconut, tiger grass, sugarcane, coffee, and fruits. Some also produce honey, and the barangay is known for Canlusong coffee.
Barangay officials said the covered structure allows sports events and community programs to proceed regardless of weather conditions and provides a sheltered area for participants and spectators. It also expands the barangay’s capacity to conduct health services and relief operations. *
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