Braulio E. Dujali Mayor Lolita A. Moral [left] and Kalahi CIDSS Regional Program Coordinator Ma. Elena S. Labrador sign the memorandum of agreement. Also in photo are DSWD and LGU officials.

Davao City – Eleven municipalities in Davao Region recently concurred to implement Kalahi-CIDSS or Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

The latest batch of Kalahi-CIDSS areas in the region are Baganga, Braulio E. Dujali, Lupon, Kiblawan, Jose Abad Santos, Malalag, Sta. Maria, Don Marcelino, Montevista, Sarangani and San Isidro (Davao del Norte).

Kalahi-CIDSS is a community-driven development program of the Philippine Government aiming to empower people through sustainable development, enhanced participation in local governance, and management of poverty alleviation projects.

Separate municipal orientations were attended by local government officials, program beneficiaries, and DSWD officers.

The municipal orientation, one of the components in the social preparation stage of Kalahi-CIDSS Community Empowerment Activity Cycle (CEAC), marks the official launch of the program in the municipality.

DSWD XI Regional Director Priscilla N. Razon said, “The Municipal Orientation is very important because it generates awareness and acceptance of the program.”

It provides forums where the technical and administrative requirements of implementation are officially agreed upon by the community, she said

Also discussed were conditionalities for local government unit enrollment and size of block grants to be downloaded.

Following the orientation was the signing of memorandum of agreement then the Administration of Panaad sa Pagsuporta (Manifesto of Support), a symbolic rite sealing the partnership and commitment between the local government unit and DSWD.

“The 11 targeted areas will have an aggregate municipal grant allocation of P 173,980,750.00 for this year,” said Kalahi-CIDSS Deputy Regional Program Manager Ma. Annabelle S. Jabla.

Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo P. Del Rosario urged his constituents to participate in Kalahi-CIDSS since it has really improved the lives of community volunteers. “Among other anti-poverty programs of the National Government, it is through Kalahi-CIDSS that we can provide development services and capacity building, and mobilize people’s participation in governance. I firmly believe through this program, we can truly fight poverty.” (DSWD)