SAN QUINTIN, Abra (23 October) -- The municipal leadership here committed 30 percent of the local government unit’s annual economic development funds as its counterpart in the Kapit-bisig Laban sa Kahirapan - Comprehensive & Integrated Delivery of Social Services( KALAHI-CIDSS) projects.

Mayor Amador B. Diaz made the commitment during the recent launching of the project in the municipality. The KALAHI has been expanded in five more towns in Abra namely San Quintin, San Isidro, Danglas, Lagayan and Lacub.

The KALAHI-CIDSS is one of the flagship programs of President Gloria Arroyo to address poverty which she underscored during her latest State of the Nation Address.

During the launching, Erlinda Aggabao, the area coordinator gave an orientation on the objectives, principles and mechanics of implementation of the project after which a dialogue-consultation with the various stakeholders was conducted.

The barangay captains also committed cash counterparts from their economic development funds for the projects to be undertaken in their locality. Moreover, the provincial governor thru the representation of Provincial Social Welfare Officer Decimia D. Cabang also gave the commitment of the provincial government as well as the national agencies present to include the Philippine Information Agency’s technical assistance in the packaging of the project proposals for the identified projects to be prioritized and selected later on by the members of the Municipal Inter-Barangay Forum to be organized at the start of the project.

To formalize and facilitate the implementation of the project, the Sangguniang Bayan of San Quintin presented a resolution authorizing their Chief executive to enter into a Memorandum of agreement with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) regarding the terms and conditions of the KALAHI-CIDSS implementation.

The mayor initially designated a point person in the LGU who will serve as their staff counterpart and link with the area coordinating team. He had also given an office space for the team in the Main Municipal Building in Poblacion, San Quintin. The MOA was signed by all the parties concerned in the project implementation.

Diaz urged his constituents to look at the project in the context of a broader perspective that is an opportunity to effect a sustained development. “What is important is for us to be able to target the needs in our communities and identify our appropriate response to these,” he emphasized.