LEGAZPI CITY – In a significant boost to community development, close to 300,000 families in the Bicol region have seen improvements thanks to 2,878 sub-projects completed under the Kalahi-CIDSS initiative in 2024, according to a report from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region 5. The projects, funded by a PHP2.6 billion grant and a PHP607 million local contribution, have directly benefited 292,854 households.
Of these sub-projects, 1,157 were executed under the National Community-Driven Development Program – Additional Financing (NCDDP-AF), designed to mitigate the effects of the Covid-19 crisis and natural calamities. Another 1,702 projects were completed through the Philippine Multisectoral Nutrition Project (PMNP), a joint effort with the Department of Health (DOH) aimed at reducing stunting in specific areas through a comprehensive nutrition strategy. The remaining 19 projects were part of the Kapangyarihan at Kaunlaran sa Barangay (KKB) program.
The completed sub-projects include essential infrastructure like footpaths, roads, and daycare centers, as well as child development amenities, disaster response equipment, and educational and training programs. DSWD-5 Regional Director Norman Laurio commended the cooperative spirit between communities and local government units, which played a crucial role in the success of these initiatives.
Laurio highlighted the empowerment aspect of the projects, stating, “The collective efforts of our partners have marked a significant achievement. These 2,878 sub-projects are not just developments; they are symbols of community empowerment, showing that local residents can drive their own progress.”
The Kalahi-CIDSS program, a key component of DSWD’s strategy to combat poverty, empowers communities to identify, plan, and sustain their development projects, promoting inclusive and sustainable growth.