Boston, Davao Oriental (May 16, 2024) – In an ongoing series of focus group discussions (FGDs) initiated by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office XI through its Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) with representatives from the National Program Management Office (NPMO) of the said program, the Indigenous People (IP) community in the Municipality of Boston, Davao Oriental expressed their gratitude for the subprojects and the valuable learning the program has engraved to their community volunteers. 

The program, which focuses on community-driven development, has significantly impacted the local community through various subprojects. These initiatives have not only provided essential services and infrastructure but have also empowered local volunteers by instilling valuable skills in participatory planning and project implementation.

“Nagpapasalamat kami sa KALAHI-CIDSS ng DSWD dahil sa mga subproyekto nila sa aming munisipalidad at dahil ang mga kababayan din naming mga IPs ay natuto sa proseso ng participatory planning at unti-unti nila itong nagiging kaugalian sa pagtaguyod ng mga proyekto sa kanilang mga komunidad,”(We are grateful to the KALAHI-CIDSS of the DSWD for their subprojects in our municipality and because our compatriots, the IPs, have also learned about the process of participatory planning and they are gradually making it a practice to promote projects in their communities) said Modesta P. Paguyan, member of the Sangguniang Bayan Council and the representative of the IP Women community of Boston, Davao Oriental. 

The KALAHI-CIDSS program, a flagship poverty alleviation initiative of the DSWD, aims to empower communities by involving them in the decision-making process for local development projects. This community-driven approach ensures that the projects address the specific needs and priorities of the residents.

Through the active participation of community members in planning and implementing these projects, the IP community in Boston has witnessed improvements in their quality of life. Projects ranging from infrastructure development, such as roads and water systems, to social services like education and health, have been completed, contributing to the overall development of the municipality.

The success of the KALAHI-CIDSS program in Boston, Davao Oriental, stands as a testament to the effectiveness of community-driven development in fostering sustainable growth and empowering marginalized communities. As the program continues to expand, it promises to bring about positive change and improved living conditions for more communities across the region. (DSWD XI/EMCJr)

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