Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator Johann Ken V. Juguan emphasizes that engaging deeply with the Community-Driven Development (CDD) approach—covering budgeting, planning, implementation, and monitoring—emboldens local stakeholders.

Juguan, a key figure in the Phase 3 implementation of local projects, explains that CDD fosters community ownership by involving residents in identifying needs, planning, and executing development initiatives in Nabas, Aklan.

This participatory approach enhances local decision-making and aims to improve service delivery, reduce poverty, and promote good governance as communities gain control over their development priorities.

He notes that the LGU recognizes the value of CDD in maximizing the use of limited funds. The local government only needs to provide the necessary counterpart contribution, effectively multiplying the impact of their investments.

CDD is a process used by KALAHI-CIDSS in the implementation of community projects across the country.

In the recent Phase III LGU-led implementation of the project, Barangay Poblacion was chosen as the recipient after a thorough identification and prioritization process by the Municipal Development Council, despite other barangays expressing interest, said Juguan.

The chosen location is vulnerable to flooding based on the geo-hazard mapping. Flooding is a persistent problem during the rainy season and affects the residents.

Traders and market goers are affected since it is located at the back portion of the market.

The community’s involvement is demonstrated through projects like the concreting of a road with drainage in Purok 6A, Embarcadero Street, where residents identified their urgent needs and actively participated in implementing solutions, said Juguan.

The CDD process empowers local communities and officials alike, fostering a sense of ownership and confidence in their development journey, ended Juguan./dswd6/mmc