Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS), a community-driven development (CDD) program of DSWD aimed to reduce poverty in poor villages, had already hired thousands of residents in the construction of community-managed projects in almost 99 poor municipalities in Bicol from 2015 to present.

47,283 workers were employed with total labor cost of Php97,589,529.00 in the construction of 1,304 projects that will provide basic access infrastructure, basic social services, community production, economic support and common service facilities and environment protection and conservation.

Each laborer receives a minimum of Php260.00 depending on the prevailing rate in the locality.

As part of the gender mainstreaming in Kalahi-CIDSS where men and women are given opportunities in labor works, Kalahi-CIDSS hired a total 9,202 women in the construction of the said community projects with a total labor cost of Php16,105,170

Moreover, 37% of the 47,283 laborers are Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries who received a total Php29,346,629.00 for their salaries.

Necita Mesa of Baao, Camarines Sur, a housewife with three children, was one of the residents who built their access road. Her colleague who belongs to the Barangay Subproject Management Committee (BSPMC), the community implementer of the Kalahi-CIDSS project in their village, recruited her.

“Hiring workers within the community where projects are being constructed will not only give them additional income but they will also ensure quality workmanship because they themselves are the beneficiaries of these,” DSWD Dir. Arnel Garcia said.