The Department of Social Welfare and Development Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (DSWD KALAHI-CIDSS) honored exemplary Local Government Units (LGUs) during the LGU Forum on Tuesday, October 24 and Thursday, October 26 at Villa Caceres, Naga City, Camarines Sur and Casablanca Hotel, Legazpi City, Albay, respectively.

The ceremony brought together Municipal mayors and local government officials in Bicol Region to recognize and honor their contributions in the implementation of KALAHI-CIDSS program.

It also celebrated the innovation and commitment demonstrated by LGUs that furthered the goals of the program.

According to Assistant Secretary for Specialized Programs Florentino Y. Loyolla Jr., the event served as a launching path for innovation, a platform for cooperation and a source of optimism for a brighter tomorrow.

“Through our collaborative endeavors, we can bring about the changes we aspire to witness and leave a legacy of progress and prosperity that will be remembered for generations,” he stated.

Here is the list of awardees and categories:

Director Laurio noted that the support of the LGUs is significant in the CDD institutionalization, as they are the closest government entities to the communities and can lead the effective application of CDD principles at the local level.

“We would like to commend the LGUs for their unwavering dedication to the principles of Community-Driven Development (CDD), which shows the active involvement of community members in decision-making, planning and project implementation,” Regional Director Norman S. Laurio said.

KALAHI-CIDSS is a poverty alleviation program that helps communities in poor municipalities to identify challenges in poverty and implement developmental projects using the CDD approach.