The true essence of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Field Office V – Bicol Region’s Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) program lies in the values of Bayanihan and empowerment.

These principles have deeply resonated not only with the communities it serves but also with its staff, who have become advocates of Community-Driven Development (CDD).

This approach empowers communities to plan, implement, and sustain subprojects that address their most pressing needs.

Lawrence O. Velitario, once a technical facilitator guiding communities in building their dreams, now stands alongside them as a community volunteer.

An architect by profession, Lawrence joined the KALAHI-CIDSS program as a technical facilitator in 2015, serving until 2017. His role involved providing technical assistance to the Area Coordinating Team, Municipal Coordinating Team, and community volunteers across various barangays.

He ensured that community infrastructures met prescribed design standards, adhered to construction and procurement processes, and aligned with project specifications.

For nearly three years, Lawrence was assigned to Camarines Norte. He recalls his first assignment in the municipality of Talisay, where, during his first two months with the program, he almost resigned. The experience was overwhelming as he struggled to deal with the wide range of personalities and attitudes within the community.

However, under the guidance of his fellow KALAHI-CIDSS staff, he learned the program’s processes and principles. These lessons stayed with him even after he left the program to focus on freelancing and supporting his family.

The Transition

In October 2023, Lawrence was encouraged by a neighbor to attend a community meeting about the Philippine Multisectoral Nutrition Project (PMNP) under the KALAHI-CIDSS program in his hometown, Barangay San Antonio Ogbon, Nabua, Camarines Sur.

His participation in the meeting led to his selection as a community volunteer and the chairperson of the Community Nutrition Subproject Management Committee (CNSPMC), which oversees the program’s implementation in the area.

Despite the heavy responsibility, Lawrence embraced the role, eager to share the knowledge he had gained as a technical facilitator.

“Isa din po sa nag-udyok sa akin is para maka-share ng knowledge. Ang gusto ko po is maka-share ng experience, makapag-empower din ng kapwa ko sa barangay namin,” he said.

(One of the things that motivated me was the desire to share knowledge. I want to share my experience and empower my fellow residents in our barangay.)

He likened the program to a drawing that starts with a single dot, eventually forming a complete picture.

“From one dot, nabubuo yung isang konsepto. ‘Yun po ang dala ng KALAHI [-CIDSS]. Paiisa-isa, paunti-unti, hindi nabibigla,” he explained.

(From one dot, a concept is formed. That’s what KALAHI-CIDSS brings. Step by step, little by little, without rushing.)

As Lawrence shared his learnings with fellow volunteers, he also built meaningful friendships, particularly with senior citizens. These new connections helped bring subprojects to life, including: Provision of Complementary Nutrition Support with Basic Gardening Tools or Kits for Capability Building Interventions to a Group of Women or Parents, benefiting 104 households with a project cost of PHP 349,190.00 and Improvement of the Child Development Center with Provision of Amenities, Learning Materials, and Kitchen Tools, benefiting 148 households with a total project cost of PHP 747,925.00.

Having been part of the program before, Lawrence truly internalized the principles of CDD, particularly the importance of participation. He firmly believes that without the cooperation of the community, the interventions would not have been successful.

“…napakaganda po at natuwa po ako noon kaya tumagal po ako ng almost three years din sa KALAHI[-CIDSS]. Kasi nagandahan po ako. Napakaganda po ng program. Kung masundan po talaga siya nang tama, ma-proseso nang tama, ma-facilitate nang tama, napakaganda po ng program. Sigurado po well-developed po lahat ng community,” he shared.

(It’s such a wonderful approach, and I was really happy with it, which is why I stayed with KALAHI-CIDSS for almost three years. I was impressed because the program is truly amazing. If it’s properly followed, correctly processed, and effectively facilitated, the program is incredible. I’m confident that every community will be well-developed.)

Lawrence’s dedication did not stop with his role as a community volunteer. He envisions a larger network of empowered individuals working together toward community progress. To this end, he has already begun organizing a community volunteer network in his barangay, uniting other volunteers who share his passion for helping others.

Driven by his deep commitment to service and knowledge-sharing, Lawrence’s journey has come full circle, contributing to further development in his community.