Davao City – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) recently conducted an orientation with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) on Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS).

This orientation aimed to: 1] Orient new and prospective CSO partners about Kalahi-CIDSS and other DSWD core programs; 2] Present the menu of engagement for CSO partnership; and 3] Invite CSOs to signify their commitment to engage with DSWD through Kalahi-CIDSS.

Through public-private partnership, the DSWD has been mobilizing CSOs as partners in implementing its major programs and initiatives like Sustainable Livelihood Program, Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, Convergence Strategy and now, Kalahi-CIDSS.

“Non-government organizations (NGOs), people’s organizations, cooperatives, trade unions, professional associations, faith-based organizations, indigenous peoples foundations, and other civic groups were formed primarily for social and economic development,” shares Ma. Annabelle S. Jabla, Deputy Regional Program Manager for Kalahi-CIDSS.

“These prospective CSO partners have a vital role in targeted areas of Kalahi-CIDSS. Through new partnerships forged, Kalahi CIDSS will be able to empower more community volunteers. These new partnerships will be sealed through manifestos of support,” Jabla added.

Also discussed at the forum were the different programs of DSWD, its partnership framework, points of intervention for CSO partners, as well as brief background on the various types of engagements.

Following the presentations, a consultation on the details of the area of engagement was held.

To facilitate matching of needs and preferences for engagement, a gallery of major activities in Kalahi-CIDSS was installed.

The event was capped with the signing of Manifesto of Support by all participants.

Kalahi-CIDSS is one of DSWD’s anti-poverty programs. It recently scaled up into a national community-driven development program targeting to intensify meaningful participation of people in their own development by letting them decide for their community as well as linking them to basic services.

A total of 21 municipalities are implementing Kalahi-CIDSS this year, covering 375 barangays with a total grant of Php 173,980,750.  (DSWD)