SANGGUNIANG Bayan member Lalaine Badana believed Kalahi-CIDSS was a channel of blessings for the municipality of President Roxas, Capiz after it has built P30.8 million worth of projects in 2019.
Badana, chair of women, family, and social services said the completed projects particularly in the coastal and upland barangays are crucial in giving relief to the daily lives of the residents.
She said the unmet needs of the people were addressed by Kalahi-CIDSS. The 20 percent local development fund of the town is not insufficient to finance these multi-million projects.
In President Roxas, 28 sub-projects were built in two cycles of implementation. Kalahi-CIDSS has provided them a grant of P30.1 million while the local government unit extended cash and in-kind contributions of P682,000.
The completed sub-projects include the installation of solar-powered street lights, concreting of farm to market road, construction of slope protection, construction of drainage canals, rehabilitation of wharf, construction of a seawall, construction of health center and classrooms
The councilor said she appreciates the system incorporated in the Community-Driven Development approach in implementing Kalahi-CIDSS funded projects.
CDD approach is the strategy employed by the Kalahi-CIDSS of the Department of Social Welfare and Development in implementing its projects in rural areas.
It is a strategy where local communities take control of the planning, implementing and resource investments for their local development.
CDD ensures that programs integrate the principles of local empowerment, participatory governance, demand-responsiveness, administrative autonomy, greater downward accountability and enhanced local capacity.
Badana said the people’s in the planning and implementation of the projects made significant contributions to the realization of projects. “Our people give their full support. They were never reluctant in participating in Kalahi-CIDSS initiated activities.”
People joined in the barangay assemblies. They were kept abreast of the status of their projects, funds, and the corresponding accountability. “They were very vigilant especially on how the funds were spent,” said Badana.
Badana said Kalahi-CIDSS process is transparent on the disbursement of funds. People get to know how much fund is intended for a certain project. “I am supportive of the Program because of its transparency measures.”
“You get to understand about the Program deeper once you connect yourself with the Kalahi-CIDSS staff and the communities, “ended Badana.
