With an aim to gather more support on the institutionalization of Community-Driven Development (CDD) approach as a national strategy for poverty reduction and community empowerment, the Department of Social Welfare and Development Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) held the CDD Knowledge Exchange Forum at Ninong’s Hotel, Legazpi City, Albay on Thursday, July 13, 2023.
Regional Director Norman S. Laurio said that over the years, KALAHI-CIDSS was embraced by communities because of opportunities provided, empowerment and improved standard of living.
“Institutionalizing CDD means more people will benefit from its outcomes because there will be an increased inclusive participation of community members in the development process, sustainable projects and strengthened governance,” he said.
One of the highlights of the activity was the signing of the manifestation of support as a pledge to advocate the CDD Institutionalization Bill pending before the 19th Congress.
The participants in the event include the representatives of the Congressional District Offices, Local Government Units (LGUs), community volunteers and other stakeholders.
The program also showcased the gains and lessons learned from the program implementation through the sharing of some community volunteers and local government units.
During the open forum, KALAHI-CIDSS Deputy National Program Manager Ma. Consuelo O. Acosta, Regional Director Norman S. Laurio and Promotive Services Division Chief Gerlie L. Avila entertained some questions from the media partners.
Genalyn V. Sanchez, a community volunteer in Barangay Guisican, Labo, Camarines Norte, cited that she has gained opportunities as part of the planning, decision-making, implementation, and sustainability of community-identified interventions.
“Dahil sa Community-Driven Development, mas pinataas ang aking kamalayan para ipakita at maging halimbawa, hindi lang sa aking kapwa katutubo kundi sa buong mundo na maging malakas ang ating loob para matupad ang ating pangarap na kaunlaran sa ating sarili at komunidad,” she explained.
(Because of the Community-Driven Development approach, it increased my understanding to show and be an example to my fellow Indigenous Peoples and the world, wherein we must have the courage to achieve our dreams of development in ourselves and the community.)
The activity was conducted to further deepen the stakeholders’ appreciation of the CDD approach and generate an active discussion on the community-driven initiatives of the Bicol Region.