Municipal Agriculture Officer Amancio Estolloso strongly believes the Community-Driven Development approach used by Kalahi-CIDSS in implementing its project has made a “great transformation to the government system in Culasi.”

Estolloso’s statement was in response to the recent achievement of the local government unit when it adopted the Community-Driven Development approach in implementing its community projects amounting to P6.5 million in 2020 under Mayor Jose Jeffry Loumugdang.

It is the first and only municipality in Western Visayas to implement its poverty alleviation projects using the CDD approach.

Culasi is not already a Kalahi-CIDSS covered municipality.

Seeing the importance of the CDD approach in implementing community projects and their impact in the rural areas, the local government unit decided to use the technology.

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, implementation, 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.

Kalahi-CIDSS was first implemented in Culasi in 2012 with grants from the Millennium Challenge Corporation.

From 2012-2019, Kalahi-CIDSS has provided a grant of more than P135 million for the completion of 136 sub-projects in Culasi. While the local government unit has poured P18.5 million as local cash counterpart contribution.

The local government unit decided to utilize a portion of the savings accrued from previous Kalahi-CIDSS implementation to continue building community projects using the CDD approach.

Six projects were identified for funding during the Municipal Inter-Barangay Forum using the local development fund.

The six sub-projects are flood control (gabion type) at Barangay Bitadton Norte; Buhi (slope protection); Balac-Balac (flood control gabion type); Jalandoni (road concreting); Camancijan (road concreting) and San Luis (road concreting).

These sub-projects were completed on time and funds were properly utilized.

“I am also a volunteer for the Program. It was instilled in me that community service is just a bonus for as long as the development is prioritized and provided, “ said Estolloso.

The construction of farm to market road project is the first sub-project that gives a greater impact. It eased the community’s burden.

People can now easily transport their products to the town market. Mobility during emergencies is faster. The road project likewise promotes tourism activity in Culasi, he said.

Estolloso, who also acts as vice convenor of the Kalahi-CIDSS said the community’s participation strengthened and empowered the once timid and the wait-and-see residents.

“It builds the trust of the community towards government projects because of the transparency measure the Program has imposed,” said Estelloso.#