Davao City (DSWD XI) – Nine groups of Kalahi-CIDSS volunteers were cited for their exemplary contribution in community-driven development during the recently concluded 4^th Regional BayanI Ka! Awards at Grand Menseng Hotel here.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) recognized the efforts of Kalahi-CIDSSS Barangay Sub-Project Management Committee (BSPMC) Andap, New Bataan and Kapalong Council of Women under the Gender and Development category.

For Improved Local Governance category, BSPMC New Casay of Braulio E. Dujali and BSPMC Tagugpo of Pantukan were awarded while BSPMC Cabayangan of Braulio E. Dujali was feted for Environmental Protection.

BSPMC Sua-on of Kapalong won the category on Indigenous People’s Welfare, BSPMC Taytayan of Cateel for Sustained Community Volunteer Group, BSPMC Cogon Bacaca of Kiblawan for Persons with Disability, and BSPMC Dujali of Braulio E. Dujali for Youth category.

The winners received a plaque of recognition and cash prize.

The nomination and validation ran from November through December 2017.

Following the awards ceremony, two volunteers shared their heartwarming experience on how the program has changed their lives and their community, as well as their struggles and triumphs in managing the sub-project they have chosen.

“I never expected this award and to stand here before all of you because we encountered various trials when we were constructing our road access sub-project. I had setbacks, some people never believed in my capacity to lead maybe because I am woman and a PWD at that, but we made it,” teary-eyed but beaming Joesielyn Rellin, of Cogon Bacaca, Kiblawan and winner under the PWD Category related her story.

Conducted annually, The Bayani Ka! Awards is a social marketing initiative of Kalahi-CIDSS which seeks not only to recognize the significant work done by program supporters but also to develop a pool of champions to help in promoting the program.

Kalahi-CIDSS Regional Program Coordinator and Chief of DSWD XI Institutional Development Division Ma. Elena S. Labrador, said the 4th Regional Bayani Ka! Awards recognizes the hard work of community volunteers and Local Government Units (LGU) who put others before their own selves.

“We have witnessed the triumphs of our community volunteers, whose commitment and resilience have helped their communities defy the odds and find the collective strength to fulfill their shared vision despite the myriad of challenges they face.”

She added, DSWD recognizes the invaluable support and efforts of the Kalahi-CIDSS community volunteers, partner LGUs, and other stakeholders who have been working for the improvement of their communities.

Kalahi-CIDSS or Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan- Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services, one of the core programs of DSWD, 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. (DSWD)