In preparation for the implementation of the Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services National Community-Driven Development Program (KALAHI-CIDSS NCDDP), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) recently conducted a Local Government Unit (LGU) Forum among its target municipalities in the CALABARZON Region.

The said forum, which was held in Tayabas City, Quezon province, aimed to familiarize the 22 targeted LGUs on the features and processes of NCDDP, solicit comments and insights about the program based on past experiences and ensure their commitment to support the program implementation as well.

According to Dir. Leticia T. Diokno of DSWD Field Office IV-A, the Kalahi-CIDSS NCDDP is the scaling up of the regular KALAHI-CIDSS program as it now covers more localities based on a set selection criteria including those affected by Typhoon Yolanda.  It also applies an improved fund allocation system, and includes disaster responsive projects in the list of projects that can be followed, among others.

Aside from the program features and process, also presented during the forum was the highlight of the 10 year (2003-2013) accomplishment of the Kalahi-CIDSS program in the Region.

Mayor Fernando Mesa of Alabat, Quezon, shared the positive impact of the Kalahi-CIDSS in his locality.  He proudly related how the program empowered ordinary community members and even women to participate and take the lead in implementing projects that respond to communities’ identified needs.

Mayor Mesa also expressed that taking into consideration the assistance to be provided under the program and the need of every local government units to respond to the needs of their respective constituents, the targeted local government units will participate and support the Kalahi-CIDSS NCDPP.

“Nakita ko kung paano natulungan ng Kalahi-CIDSS ang aking lugar. Kaya patuloy akong makikiisa sa KALAHI-CIDSS NCDDP,” Mayor Mesa proudly stated.

As an acceptance to the implementation of the Kalahi-CIDSS NCDDP, the local government officials of 22 municipalities had agreed to undergo the enrollment process which is a requisite for program implementation within the month of June 2014.

Aside from Mayor Mesa, other local chief executives present during the forum are: Mayor Joselito Alega (San Francisco), Mayor Pepito Reyes (Perez), Mayor Ramon Orfanel (Catanauan), Mayor Erwin Caralian (Gumaca), Mayor Cesar Isaac III (Guinayangan), Mayor Nelson Traje (Macalelon), Mayor Crispin Clacio (Quezon), Mayor Luisito Visorde (Calauag), and Mayor Gil Establecida (Burdeos).

The other target municipalities represented during the forum are: Tagkawayan, Agdangan, Buenavista, San Antonio, Candelaria, Mauban, Unisan, Sariaya, Plaridel, San Andres, Lopez, and General Luna.***