Field Office VI

PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III recognized the importance of Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) in the government’s anti-poverty reduction program.

Aquino, in his visit to Iloilo City Friday said KC has intensified the participation of the people in the local government units in addressing the gripes and problems of the community. “Sa pamamagitan nito nabibigyan lakas natin ang mahihirap nating kababayan na makibahagi sa pagbuo ng solusyon sa halip na dumagadag sa problema.”

KALAHI-CIDSS uses the community-driven development approach where the villagers analyze their own situation and needs, propose solutions and develop an action plan which they themselves implement. The Project also requires local counterpart contribution.

President Aquino led the distribution and awarding of various social services that are being made available by his administration to poor families last April 1,2011. “Nandito po tayo ngayon hindi para magbakasyon. Nandito tayo para ipahatid sa inyo ang bunga ng mga reporma natin laban sa gutom, sakit at kahirapan. Hindi po kasi tayo nagpapapogi. Tama na sa akin na masabihan akong pogi ng isang beses ng aking ina,” he jokingly said.

The President distributed certificates of completion of P4.2 million of completed sub-projects in Barangay’s Pili, Culasi and Barrido, all in the town of Ajuy. The certificates were received by community volunteers.

The three barangays are also beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and Self-Employment Assistance Kaunlaran (SEA-K) of the social welfare development.

A total of P5.98 million for the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), P780,000 for the Self-Employment Assistance Kabayan (SEA-K) project and  P5 million for the Modified Shelter Assistance Project with cash for work were also distributed to the beneficiaries.

DSWD Undersecretary Alicia Bala said the most of the towns in Iloilo are recipient of KALAHI-CIDSS. “Ang KALAHI-CIDSS ang pinakamatagal na programa ng gobyerno.’

KALAHI-CIDSS started its implementation in 2003 in the provinces of Iloilo, Capiz and Negros Occidental. A total of 881 sub-projects were completed from Phase 1 to pilot Makamasang Tugon in the 642 barangays.

There are local government units that adopted the CDD process to encourage peoples participation, said Bala.(Maricar M. Calubiran/KALAHI-CIDSS)