DSWD cites Kalahi-CIDDS milestones

By Ana-Liza S. Macatangay

NAGA CITY, Oct. 23 (PIA) -- Government's poverty reduction program dubbed Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan- Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDDS) is right on its target of concretizing its objective of empowering the community and reducing poverty in the country, particularly in the countrysides.

This was the findings of a quarterly Provincial Inter Agency Committee (PIAC) meeting held here Thursday.

Among the participants to the meeting organized the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) were various government member-agencies. Discussion included the status of the Kalahi-CIDDS projects implemented in Bicol Region.

Under its two (2) project modalities, the regular Kalahi-CIDDS and Makamasang Tugon (MT), the program has implemented various pro-poor projects in selected municipalities in the region. In Camarines Sur, 483 barangays from 18 municipalities benefited from the prioritized sub projects which include access projects, water system, health and educational facilities, environmental protection projects and putting up of socio economic facilities.

These projects were implemented in the coastal towns of Balatan, Minalabac, Pasacao, Del Gallego, Siruma, Garchitorena. Presentacion and Sangay, all in Camarines Sur. Other recipients include the towns of Baao, Bato, Bula, Bombon, Cabusao, Caramoan, Gainza, Libmanan, Ocampo and Ragay.

Anchored on partnership, the fund used to finance the said projects came from various organizations. Ninety-four (94) sub projects were funded by KC MMC or the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC). DSWD will receive a grant fund from them for 5 years. It started in 2011 and will be until 2015. Of the total P105.9M project cost, P78.4M will come from MCC while the remaining P27.5M will be from the local contribution.

Local contribution on the other hand will come from various sources: P5.6M from the provincial government, P9.2M from the local government unit concerned, P9.3M from the barangay , P1.5M from the community and the remaining P1.8M will be taken from the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) of 4th District Congressman Arnulfo Fuentebella.

Currently, the provincial government of Camarines Sur has already delivered its full share while the municipalities and the local communities, out of its P9.2 and P1.5 commitments, have already settled P8.3M and P1.1M contributions respectively.

DSWD Deputy Regional Project Manager John Socito also emphasized that aside from the tangible accomplishments like the completion of access sub projects, water systems , health and educational facilities and environmental protection projects they were also able to reach significant milestones , particularly in terms of empowering the community, which include trained community volunteers, increased people’s participation in development planning and the promotion of greater transparency through the local planning proves.

The Kalahi-CIDDS Project is also being implemented in the provinces of Albay, Camarines Norte, Catanduanes, Masbate, and Sorsogon. (LSMacatangay/ PIA-Camarines Sur)