by Erika Morales Caraga Region – Libjo Mayor Lamberto Llamera claimed that his administration is losing a sizable amount of P2 million a year as local cash counterpart for the KALAHI-CIDSS Project, a flagship anti-poverty project from the government implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

However, he affirmed that every amount is worth it since development is felt as various facilities are in the works at the different barangays in this mineral-rich town of the Province of Dinagat Islands.

"With the present economic problem which is widely felt even in other parts of the world, I think it is just wise to invest with projects like the KALAHI- CIDSS. If we only rely with our municipal IRA (internal revenue allotment), these sub-projects now would not have been possible," the town mayor said in during an inauguration ceremony conducted early this week.

Mayor Llamera also noted that communities have responded actively to the project, even implementing it through volunteerism.

"The Project's goal of empowering the communities is something that is commendable," he said in a Surigaonon dialect. "I think it is important that people are involved during implementation because they are the end-users of the project," he continued.

As of date, some P3.1 million worth of rural infrastructures, consisting of water, school and day care facilities, were successfully completed and turned-over to the barangay operations and maintenance group likewise consisting of community volunteers. Meanwhile, before the year ends, nine other sub-projects are due for completion. This costs a total of P9.7 million, 70 percent of which comes from the WorldBank and 30% from the local government unit.