In an ongoing effort to foster sustainable development in communities through the Community-Driven Development (CDD) approach, 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) program, is conducting a series of Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) from May 13, 2024, to May 16, 2024. These discussions are being held in selected municipalities across the region, with representatives from the KALAHI-CIDSS National Program Management Office (NPMO) participating.

As two key modalities of KALAHI-CIDSS are set to close this year—the National Community-Driven Development Program-Additional Financing (NCDDP-AF) and the Philippine Multisectoral Nutrition Project (PMNP)—both national and regional program management offices are gearing up for a smooth transition to new modalities in the coming year.

A crucial part of closing these modalities involves ensuring that the subprojects not only leave behind robust infrastructures but also empower community volunteers with the skills and knowledge they have acquired. This is where the FGDs play a vital role.

Key representatives from the NPMO who facilitated these discussions include Erleo Bacabac, PDO IV-Community Development; Raymond Cruzado, PDO IV-Procurement Division; Roel Jay Garo, PDO IV-Engineering Division; and Alend Kersey Sampang, PDO IV-Finance Division. These officials engaged with community volunteers in Mati City, Davao Oriental, and the Municipality of San Isidro, Davao del Norte.

Representatives from the Regional Program Management Office (RPMO) were Billie Jane O. Cadayona, Supervising Administrative Officer; Harold L. Balandra, Community Development Officer IV; Abbie Gayle T. Concepcion, Financial Analyst III; Jeason Rey C. Jalem, Community Procurement Officer III; Marvi Jane G.Pradias, Regional Infrastructure Officer III; and Ezri M. Coda, Jr., Social Marketing Officer III. 

The FGDs aim to gather insights and feedback from community volunteers, assess the impact of the projects, and identify best practices that can be carried forward into future initiatives. This collaborative effort underscores the commitment of DSWD and its partners to not only build infrastructures but also to ensure that these projects continue to benefit communities sustainably. The empowerment of local volunteers remains at the heart of these initiatives, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility that is crucial for the long-term success of community-driven projects. (DSWD FO XI/EMCJr)

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