By Nimfa Estrellado The local government mayors from Quezon Province, along with government agency representatives and community leaders dur...
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| The local government mayors from Quezon Province, along with government agency representatives and community leaders during the LGU Forum on Institutionalizing Community-Driven Development (CDD) within the Kalahi-CIDSS program, held on January 31, 2024 at St. Jude Coop. Hotel and Event Center, Lucena City, Quezon. (Photo from Mayor Matt Florido Withaheart/FB) |
LUCENA CITY, Quezon - Addressing the pressing issues and challenges faced by the local communities is a top priority for the local government units (LGUs) in the province. Through the "Time for Action" initiative, they aim to empower the community and foster a sense of ownership in finding sustainable solutions.
This commitment was evident at the LGU Forum on Institutionalizing Community-Driven Development (CDD) within the Kalahi-CIDSS program, held on January 31, 2024 at St. Jude Coop. Hotel and Event Center, Lucena City, Quezon.
Mayors, Municipal Planning and Development Coordinators (MPDCs), Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officers (MSWDOs), and Municipal Area Coordinators actively participated, demonstrating their dedication to community-driven progress.
Kalahi-CIDSS (Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan - Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services), a poverty alleviation program under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), utilizes the globally recognized CDD approach for service delivery, poverty reduction, and good governance. Initiated in 2003, its expansion gained approval in 2013 from the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Board under President Benigno Aquino III.
During the forum, some mayors from different municipalities told success stories about how Kalahi-CIDSS empowered their communities to take charge of their own development. They highlighted the program's impact in improving infrastructure, promoting transparency, and fostering a sense of ownership among residents.
Perez Mayor Charizze Escalona showcased her municipality's CDD institutionalization practices. Highlighting the expansion of Barangay and Municipal Development Councils to include more Civil Society Organizations, she emphasized the community's vital role in development initiatives. Additionally, she shared the enactment of policies and ordinances integrating CDD elements into the local government's planning and programming.
General Luna Mayor Matt Erwin Florido echoed the positive impact of community involvement in decision-making. He emphasized its contribution to sustainable and inclusive development, alongside the importance of transparency and accountability in local governance. Sharing success stories of community-led projects, he demonstrated how citizen participation fosters overall progress and well-being.
The leadership of the DSWD KALAHI Regional Project Monitoring Office (RPMO) and Quezon representatives lauded the exemplary implementation of the program in Tagkawayan for nearly twelve years. As a testament, the RPMO plans to develop a Social Marketing package showcasing Tagkawayan's practices to inspire nationwide CDD adoption.
Tagkawayan Mayor Carlo Eleazar shared their best practices, which prioritizes "participation," "transparency," and "accountability" regardless of funding sources. This includes national government funds and the 30% allocation from the 20% development fund.
Following the two-day LGU Forum and Workshop on DSWD-Kalahi-CIDSS Additional Financing, select Heads of Region-4A, specifically in Quezon, signed a Resolution of Support to the proposed project and new modality: "Time for Action."
The LGU Forum, initiated by the DSWD Field Office IV with support from the Provincial Government of Quezon, marks a significant step towards solidifying CDD practices in the region.
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