The DSWD Field Office V asks all talented Bicolano musicians and bands to write a song with a central theme on community-driven development (CDD), a successful approach in poverty-reduction, in connection with the Songwriting Contest of the agency to be conducted this October 18.

All composers are enjoined to create a theme song based on the CDD strategy of KALAHI CIDSS-NCDDP and Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) programs implemented here in Bicol since 2003. Song entries must incite public’s interest to build appreciation and support towards the programs.

Moreover, contest is open to all Bicolano amateur and professional songwriters with a band who will interpret the composition. The entry form and contest mechanics can be downloaded via DSWD regional website using the link: https://fo5.dswd.gov.ph/downloads/.

The selection of the winning theme song will be based on originality, public appeal, musical composition and lyrics and its relevance to the theme.

“We would like to engage the public to appreciate CDD by coming up with a song which simplifies the message of success in engaging ordinary citizens to participate in the planning, implementation and management of resources for local development,” Dir. Arnel Garcia said.

The deadline of submission of entries is on September 17, 2014. There will be an initial screening on September 30, 2014 to identify the top five (5) qualifiers for the live performance during the grand finals which is scheduled on October 18, 2014 to be held in Legazpi City.

The grand winner will record their original composition with DSWD on top of the cash prize of Php30,000.00. The other top four (4) qualifiers will receive a consolation prize of Php5,000.00. The songs featured in DSWD 5’s Facebook fan page with the most number of likes will also receive Php5,000.00.

For other details of the contest, please call/text Ms. Jesseshan B. Marbella of KALAHI CIDSS NCDDP through 09173747003 or (052)4805754.

What is KALAHI CIDSS-NCDDP and PAMANA?
KALAHI CIDSS which stands for Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services, puts the power back in the hands of the people by giving them the opportunity to make informed decisions on locally identified options for development and manage resources to implement sub-projects that address needs identified by communities themselves. Consequently, the National Community-Driven Development Program (NCDDP) scales-up CDD which was used and has been proven effective by KALAI CIDSS in its past 11 years of implementation in Bicol and in the Philippines as a whole. The program is now called KALAHI CIDSS NCDDP.

On the other hand, PAMANA project under its second pillar is implemented by DSWD to facilitate the delivery of basic services at the community level through CDD, and community livelihood interventions.

Both KALAHI CIDSS NCDDP and PAMANA aim to reduce poverty, empower communities and improve local governance.

In these programs, community residents consensually decide on what type of poverty-reduction projects they prioritize for funding based from the collective analysis of their needs. Community proposals can vary from public goods/access projects, enterprise or livelihood projects or human development projects.

KALAHI CIDSS-NCDDP is one of the core social protection programs of DSWD along with Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (Pantawid) and Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP).