DSWD7 Conducts Enrollment Forum for KALAHI

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 7 in partnership with the Provincial Local Government Unit of Cebu are presently conducting enrollment forum that discusses the requirements and procedures in joining the National Community-Driven Development Program (KALAHI CIDSS-NCDDP) implementation in 2014.

Regional Social Marketing Officer Simeon A. Remata III said KALAHI CIDSS-NCDDP is a national poverty reduction program utilizing the Community-Driven Development (CDD) approach which empowers barangay residents to identify problems and needs of their communities and propose solutions in partnerships with their local government units.

In his email, Remata said OIC-Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Atty. Mark C. Tolentino explained that Governor Davide believes in development being actively participated by the grassroots communities.

“We are actually very excited to know more about KC-NCDDP and how it could better the service delivery and local governance of our local government units,” Tolentino said.

Small Scale Infra Projects

Remata explained that in the CDD program, communities can propose small-scale infrastructure projects ranging from water systems, school buildings, day care centers and health stations, training and post-harvest facilities to community access roads and bridges which they have identified is a priority project that needed to be implemented in their locality.

Remata also quoted DSWD Assistant Regional Director for Operations Nemia Antipala who discussed how the CDD strategy is used by developing countries as a significant factor in making governments more responsive in their services and programs.

“CDD strategy is considered a model in poverty alleviation not just in our country but also in the whole world.

This is precisely why a lot of international funding agencies are pouring in their money just to implement the program,” Antipala was quoted saying.

Remata stressed that over 1.2 million households residing in 555 barangays in the towns of Alcoy, Asturias, Balamban, Bantayan, Borbon, Carmen, Catmon, Compostela, Consolacion, Cordova, DaanBantayan, Dumanjug, Ginatilan, Liloan, Madridejos, Medellin, Pilar, Poro, San Francisco, San Remegio, Santander, Sibonga, Sogod, Sta. Fe, Tabogon,
Tabuelan, Tuburan and Tudela will begin their implementation this year.

Remata said that these municipalities are now in the process of completing their requirements and finalizing institutional arrangements with the DSWD regional office.

He added the provinces of Bohol, Negros Oriental and Siquijor will also have their own enrollment forum in the next few weeks.

Photo above: DSWD Regional Director for Operations Nemia Antipala addressing the mayors and municipal representatives during the LGU enrolment forum at Cityscape Hotel in Cebu City (www.fo7.dswd.gov.ph)