In a concerted effort to enhance the Kapitbisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) program, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) convened with local chief executives (LCEs) and other stakeholders in Iloilo City. The meeting, held on Thursday, aimed to gather insights and recommendations to improve the program’s implementation as it approaches the end of its major funding cycle this year.
During a media conference, Didith Bosoen, the Deputy National Program Manager for Support of KALAHI-CIDSS, highlighted the importance of local executives’ feedback in refining the agency’s processes. She noted that the program, which is transitioning to a new initiative called Panahon ng Pagkilos in 2025, focuses on building community resilience.
Arwin Razo, DSWD Western Visayas director, stressed the crucial role of LCEs in integrating KALAHI-CIDSS into their local development plans. He pointed out that the support and involvement of local leaders are essential for accelerating the program’s implementation and ensuring community ownership.
Bosoen also shared that KALAHI-CIDSS has successfully completed 91,385 sub-projects across 25,479 barangays in 82 provinces since 2003. The program, funded by approximately PHP104.8 billion from both foreign and local sources, has reached 24.39 million households nationwide. The top community-proposed projects have included essential services such as roads, water systems, daycare centers, and more.
As the current funding portfolio closes, the DSWD is preparing to launch Panahon ng Pagkilos, aiming to support around 884 poor municipalities vulnerable to disasters, marking a new chapter in community empowerment and resilience.