For over the years, Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) has been a partner of poor communities as they continue to deliver a people-driven approach to addressing various dimensions of poverty.

In 2003, this poverty-alleviation program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) started its pilot implementation for Central Visayas in the small town of Enrique Villanueva in Siquijor, one of the poorest municipalities in the Philippines.

To date, the program has provided several projects to Enrique Villanueva including rehabilitation of water systems, electrification of street lights through the installation of solar panels, construction of training and daycare centers, and access roads.

As the country faces a health crisis, the agency remains committed to supporting the small province of Siquijor, with 4 out of 6 towns engaged with the program, by means of community projects and empowerment-building activities through KALAHI-CIDSS.

Various projects were implemented to help local communities proactively respond to health emergencies, such as the construction of isolation facilities, purchase of equipment and PPE sets, communication devices, medical tools, and rehabilitation of water systems.

DSWD has poured in a total of Php 35 million to fund these projects, while Php 11 million was provided by partner local government units (LGUs) in Siquijor as their contribution to the implementation of projects with 1,636 volunteers mobilized to do various activities.

LGUs understand that these projects carry a huge responsibility for them, but they see this as an opportunity to extend help not only to their constituents but also to other areas with limited resources.

Barangay Development Council-Technical Working Group (BDC-TWG) Head and Community Volunteer Lynn Maria Magsayo expressed how the program transformed her to become an active citizen. “Ang gisaad sa KALAHI sa amo dili ang mga imprastraktura apan ang paghatag og gahom sa katawhan ug patas nga oportunidad alang sa tanan (KALAHI did not promise us infrastructure projects but people’s empowerment and equal opportunity for all),” Magsayo added.

Volunteers pave the way to suggest solutions to the problems that their community is facing, thus becoming the change they want to see in their community.

“With these projects, Barangay LGUs are ready to face the crisis now that they have received help from DSWD. And even if the pandemic ends, they plan to use these facilities as infirmary or birthing centers that will cater the needs of those poor individuals who cannot afford basic medical care,” says Allan Quitoriano, KALAHI-CIDSS Community Development Officer.

Siquijor towns commit to engaging with DSWD’s KALAHI-CIDSS as it enters another phase of implementation, prioritizing social services. ###

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