Olaycon, Monkayo, Compostela Valley – “After typhoon Pablo badly hit our area in December 4, 2012, our community realized that the success of rehabilitation initiatives do not just depend on the funds produced by government, but how quickly and efficiently a community responds to such crisis,” shared Janet B. Diel, Barangay Chair and Kalahi-CIDSS Volunteer of Barangay Olaycon.

Awarded as the barangay with the Most Improved Local Governance during the Kalahi-CIDSS 1^st Regional Bayani Ka Awards in 2014, Olaycon villagers have proven that no tragedy could break them if they commit to be united especially in times of crisis.

Kalahi-CIDSS or Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan- Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services, 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.

“It was already dawn when I heard the wind rustling through the trees. I immediately went outside and checked the situation of my constituents. When I went back home, I wondered why it was suddenly so bright and windy, I realized then that I didn’t have a roof anymore,” Diel narrated.

 

“I perfectly remember how our community rose after Pablo. Our leader, Janet, even when her home was hit by the typhoon badly, she was one of the first responders in repairing the damage caused by Pablo. She helped us without reservations, shared Pedro Bolonos, a volunteer in Kalahi-CIDSS.

The implementation of Kalahi-CIDSS in the village unleashed the massive volunteerism spirit of the residents in Barangay Olaycon.

Community in action

Despite the delay of implementation of Kalahi-CIDSS due to typhoon Pablo, the community remained enthusiastic and cooperative when the implementation resumed in 2013.

“As testament to their commitment, barangay assemblies boasted of 100% attendance and active participation in meetings,” said Joel B. Quiňo, former Area Coordinator of Kalahi-CIDSS in Monkayo.

According to residents, the level of awareness and social preparation imparted to them prior to ‘Pablo’, strengthened their commitment and trust. In fact, their accomplishments exceeded their expectations.

One of the most important and urgent projects carried out through Kalahi – CIDSS was the establishment of a potable water system. With an estimated cost of P 645,000.00, the project was expected to cover four puroks.

After careful implementation and imbued with the spirit of bayanihan, the projected number of puroks covered was doubled. Priorities were realigned, and those who had more resources didn’t hesitate to give way to those who were not faring well.

Purok leaders mobilized volunteers to haul the pipes and other materials to save on labor cost.

In the end, the project was able to serve the entire barangay.

Through the ingenuity of community members, challenges were defeated and Olaycon became an icon for learning on post-calamity area rehabilitation.

“The government needs to provide help that is sustainable. The community driven development (CDD) approach of Kalahi-CIDSS helped the victims rise after the typhoon.  With DSWD’s initiative, the people were able to rebuild their lives and celebrate their newfound resilience,” Governor Arturo T. Uy  said.

“Because of Kalahi-CIDSS, the spirit of massive volunteerism heightened in our barangay. With this, we were able to effectively overcome the aftermath of Typhoon Pablo in our community,” Diel added. (DSWD)