Local groups show desire to partner in Kalahi-CIDSS implementation

By Dominic I. Sanchez

Friday 3rd of August 2012

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Aug 3 (PIA) -- Thirty-five representatives from civil society groups, nongovernmental organizations, people’s organizations and the private sector expressed their commitment to aid the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in the implementation of Kalahi-CIDDS community-driven projects in the region.

DSWD has already partnered with the Zuellig Family Foundation to enhance delivery of health services, especially in the identified poorest areas.

“But still, more partnerships have to be forged in such a great task as alleviating poverty,” Regional Director Teodulo Romo Jr. said.

The representatives were oriented on the Kalahi-CIDSS process and on DSWD’s convergence framework – Bantay, Gabay, Tulay and Kaagapay.

These four areas of partnership compose the menu where potential partners will be engaged in the project.

Through an assessment of each organization’s strengths, a formal work plan for a particular partnership will be forged.

“These organizations have resources and knowledge that they are very willing to share in the implementation of Kalahi-CIDSS. With their help, we are hopeful that the subprojects borne from Kalahi-CIDSS will indeed have a lasting positive impact in the communities that we serve,” said Assistant Regional Director Zenaida Arevalo.

Kalahi-CIDSS, or Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services capacitates and mobilizes community volunteers to identify and implement development projects and interventions (such as water systems, roads, schools, health stations, and more) on the barangay level.

The people from the barangay are hands-on in the whole project implementation process from community needs analysis, project proposal development to procurement, operation and maintenance.

The project kicked off in 12 Region 9 municipalities last January, and is expected to run for three cycles, or years.

“Our aim in forging these partnerships is not simply to promote our projects, but more importantly, to advance transparency, accountability and participation in development among all stakeholders in poverty-reduction,” said Romo .(JPA/DIS/DSWD/PIA9-ZBST)