The DSWD through Kalahi-CIDSS initiated the conduct of “Municipal Talakayan” in 15 municipalities which started last August 14, 2015 in Ocampo, Camarines Sur.
It is a municipal-level democratic dialogue which aims to measure the condition and level of local development of Kalahi-CIDSS municipalities by bringing all stakeholders together using a participatory approach through knowledge generation, sharing and collaborative self-assessment among stakeholders.
“The Municipal Talakayan is like a State of the Nation Address (SONA) that presents reports on a local government’s accomplishments and an open forum that entitles the public to raise questions about development to the government officials,” Dir. Garcia said.
In Ocampo, the barangay captains, selected residents, civil society organizations (CSOs), indigenous people and municipal local government unit officials were present.
Joysharon Ponciano of Brgy. Hibago in Ocampo said that she is grateful to attend the said activity because the people are updated of the local government’s programs and activities.
“Gusto ko magkaugwa pa sa susunod para aram mi ang nangyayari (I want this to be conducted again to know what is happening)” she added.
The same group of people will be invited in the following municipalities:
• Viga, Catanduanes
• Gigmoto, Catanduanes
• San Vicente, Camarines Norte
• Basud, Camarines Norte
• Labo, Camarines Norte
• Caramoan, Camarines Sur
• Bato, Camarines Sur
• Baao, Camarines Sur
• Libmanan, Camarines Sur
• Bula, Camarines Sur
• Bombon, Camarines Sur
• Gainza, Camarines Sur
• Ragay, Camarines Sur
The town of Cabusao in Camarines Sur has also conducted their Municipal Talakayan last August 17, 2015. The series of municipal dialogue is expected to end in November this year.
Kalahi-CIDSS- Kapit- Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) is a DSWD program that seeks to help alleviate poverty through community-driven development (CDD).
Community-driven development (CDD) puts 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.