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)


Catanduanes marks 17th Catandungan fest

By Edna A. Bagadiong

VIRAC, Cataduanes, October 23 (PIA) -- Catanduanes celebrates the provincial 67th founding anniversary this October, 2012 also marking the celebration of the 17th Catandungan Festival in the province.

Catanduanes, a former sub-province of Albay, was created on October 24, 1945 by virtue of Commonwealth Act No. 687.

Festivities kicked off with the Inter-Agency Basketball Competition which started on October 1, 2012.

The 1st ever photography workshop was also held on October 13-14 at Rakdell Inn, Virac attended by photography enthusiasts.

A five-day Majestic Puraran Surfing Cup was held at Puraran Beach, Baras on October 19-23, with the country’s best surfers and surfing enthusiasts. Puraran is one of the top tourists destinations in the province and is one of the Philippines’ best surfing spots.

Tomorrow, October 24, a concelebrated mass will mark the start of the festival proper to be succeeded by a Civic Military Parade at downtown Virac considered as the longest parade in the province.

A mobile pass porting sponsored by the office of Sangguniang Panlalawigan Provincial Board Member Shirley A. Abundo will be held at the Provincial Capitol Dome with an estimated applicant of 500 individuals.

The Bb. Catandungan Pageant Night featuring the province’s beauty and brains will spice up the celebration with former Senator Miguel Zubiri as one of the judges.

Governor Joseph C. Cua said this year’s theme: “Sulong Catandungan Tungo sa Matuwid na Daan” will highlight the province’s effort for good governance.

He added that the event is also an opportunity for the Catandunganons to showcase their talents and the beauty of the island.

One of the event’s highlights the Festival of Festivals Showdown and Street Dancing Competition which will feature the various feasts of the 11 towns of the province will commence on October 26th.

A fireworks display at Virac Fountain and an Official Ball at the Provincial Capitol Dome will culminate the celebration. (MAL/EAB-PIA5/Catanduanes)