The Department of Social Welfare and Development Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (DSWD Kalahi-CIDSS) will conduct Makilahok in 15 Local Government Units (LGUs) in Bicol Region to further reinforce the community participation in local development.

Makilahok or Strengthening Community Participation in Local Development is a project to be implemented under DSWD Kalahi-CIDSS in collaboration with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) with support from the World Bank and Asian Development Bank (ADB).

“DSWD Kalahi-CIDSS has demonstrated community participation, accountability and transparency. Makilahok is necessary in adopting CDD at the barangay development planning and budgeting process,” Regional Director Arnel Garcia said.

The pilot municipalities that will undergo Makilahok are Manito and Jovellar in Albay, Jose Panganiban and San Vicente in Camarines Norte, Cabusao, Minalabac, Gainza, Canaman and Ocampo in Camarines Sur, Baras and Gigmoto of Catanduanes, Mobo and Palanas in Masbate and Irosin and Gubat in Sorsogon.

These municipalities were identified based on their implementation performance of DSWD Kalahi-CIDSS, completion of community projects and LGU’s readiness to undergo capacity training for all barangays.

The training initiative with a total budget of Php 7,521,550.00 will cover four (4) areas focusing on Participatory Situation Analysis (PSA), Community Finance, Community Procurement following the Philippine financial and procurement procedures (RA 9184) and Community Monitoring.

Each participating barangay is expected to produce their Barangay Development Plan (BDP) with CDD activities, techniques and other implementation arrangements that can be adopted in barangay development planning and budgeting process.

“This initiative will significantly help in heightening our support towards community empowerment and participation through the institutionalization of CDD in the local development process,” he added. /ramsertan/