Davao City – As their acceptance in implementing Kalahi-CIDSS (Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services) in their respective municipality, 11 local government units (LGUs) agreed to undergo the enrolment process during the recent LGU Forum.

These new targeted municipalities are Baganga, Braulio E. Dujali, Lupon, Kiblawan, Jose Abad Santos, Malalag, Sta. Maria, Don Marcelino, Montevista, Sarangani and San Isidro (Davao del Norte).

“The officials and department heads from targeted municipalities and stakeholders will be oriented on the conditionalities and enrolment requirements that need to be complied before the approval or acceptance to join the program,” said Ma. Annabelle S. Jabla, Deputy Regional Program Manager for Kalahi-CIDSS.

Jabla added that LGU enrolment is one of the preparatory activities that will lead to the project’s commencement this year.

Kalahi-CIDSS is a community-driven development project of the Philippine Government that aims to empower communities through sustainable development, enhanced participation in local governance, and poverty alleviation projects.

According to DSWD XI Regional Director Priscilla N. Razon, Kalahi-CIDSS works to minimize poverty using the Community Driven Development (CDD) approach wherein the communities are taught how to select, design, and implement sub-projects that respond to their most vital need.

“These sub-projects are common infrastructure facilities such as farm-to-market roads, school buildings, potable water systems, electrification, and day care centers,” Director Razon said.

Braulio E. Dujali Mayor Lolita A. Moral expressed her utmost appreciation for the program.

“We are very thankful for this new endeavour in our municipality. Rest assured that we will give our full support to DSWD’s goal in empowering communities in far-flung barangays.”

Kalahi-CIDSS, which started last 2003, has already served 299 barangays in 16 municipalities in Region XI.

A total of 21 more municipalities are set to operate Kalahi-CIDSS in 2015, covering 375 barangays with a total grant of Php 173,980,750. (DSWD)