Kapalong, Davao del Norte –Some 300 households in Barangay Katipunan here can now look forward to happier and healthier days as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) recently ushered in water system and day care center in the village.
Handed over to the barangay are Construction of Potable Water System Level II with grant allocation of 2,150, 218.00 plus local government counterpart contribution worth Php 368,893.00, and Improvement of Day Care Center worth Php 346,400.00 under Kalahi-CIDSS PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA).
Present during the blessing and turnover were Mayor Maria Teresa Timbol, Vice Mayor Edgardo Timbol, Kalahi-CIDSS staffs and community volunteers.
“This is an important milestone in Barangay Katipunan. Having reached four years implementing Kalahi-CIDSS is no easy feat. When the community started to work together, they gradually built various successful community sub-projects. More than the sub-project, this opened opportunities that made them better contributors in the development of the community,” said Nick Elvi D. Digol, Kalahi-CIDSS Deputy Regional Program Manager.
“Sa Kalahi-CIDSS, gitagaan ang katawhan og oportunidad nga magpaluyo sa pag implementar aron padayon nga matabangan ang mga lugar nga kinahanglan og pag tagad. Hagit kini karon sa amo, nga makapangita og mga estratehiya nga palambuon pa ang among mga hinaguan nga proyekto pinaagi sa programa (Through Kalahi-CIDSS, ordinary citizens are given the opportunity as key implementers so that sustained assistance are extended to areas needing most. This is a challenge for us to explore strategies to enhance further our community projects), said Michelle Lagarto, a Kalahi-CIDSS Community Volunteer for four years.
‘‘The successful implementation of community volunteers is fruit of their compassionate, collective action or Sama-samang Pagkilos ng may Malasakit,” said Mercedita P. Jabagat, DSWD XI Regional Director.
She added, development has a long way to go, but DSWD will continue to provide opportunities that will help the volunteers improve their knowledge and gain new experiences. When the program ends, the community will still engage in the process of development in their municipality.
To date, Kapalong has a total grant allocation of P60M.
Kalahi-CIDSS is a Community-Driven Development (CDD) program of the Philippine Government aiming to empower people through sustainable development, enhanced participation in local governance, and management of poverty alleviation projects.
PAMANA, one of the modalities of Kalahi-CIDSS, focuses at strengthening people’s capacities in order to address issues of vulnerability and peace through activities that promote social cohesion. (DSWD)
