The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), through the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS), has provided a total of PHP 8,082,740.86 assistance to 1,328 Bicol participants under the Kapangyarihan at Kaunlaran sa Barangay (KKB) Cash-for-Work Program (CFWP) in 2025.

From the total number of participants, 322 came from Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), particularly students and graduates of Daraga Community College, who received a total of PHP 4,133,282.42. Meanwhile, 1,006 persons with disabilities from the municipalities of Virac and Bato in Catanduanes benefited from PHP 3,949,458.44 in assistance.

Aimed at providing temporary employment opportunities to vulnerable sectors, the Cash-for-Work Program (CFWP) has engaged persons with disabilities or their representatives to undertake ten (10) days of community work, wherein each beneficiary received PHP 3,950.00.

For HEI participants, graduates were engaged in a 50-day work period, while students worked for 25 days, receiving PHP 20,750.00 and PHP 10,375.00, respectively.

DSWD Regional Director Norman S. Laurio noted that the program is beyond temporary employment, but it also recognizes the capacity of beneficiaries through their participation in community initiatives while earning income.

“Through community activities, the CFWP involves the participants in participatory activities like support services, environmental work, and other local initiatives. In addition to providing cash assistance, these activities also promote community action and strengthening capacities,” he shared.

Director Laurio furthered that by involving the participants directly in the community, the program ensures that the assistance is both responsive and empowering while addressing the immediate needs.