Kalahi-CIDSS brings changes to village people
by CL Martinez
Libon, Albay (14 June) -- More than 2 years of Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) implementation brought a lot of changes to residents in this town in the third district of Albay.
In 2006, KALAHI-CIDSS made its way to Bicol after it was launched in this municipality.
Prior to entry of KALAHI-CIDSS most community people whose main source of income is farming earn less than a thousand pesos a month.
Norlito Villaraza, a farmer from Bgy. San Ramon, said that in the past, it was very difficult for them to transport their products to the market. "We only have 'habal-habal' that pass through the dangerous trail to carry our produce down to the market."
But with KALAHI-CIDSS, development started to unfold in the communities. The local government with the help of KALAHI-CIDSS has implemented projects, not only road construction but other sub-projects in the municipality that included school buildings, water systems, market and day care centers.
"Because of KALAHI-CIDSS, we become more active and concerned about development of our place," said Bgy. Captain Paul S. Cruz.
Volunteers underwent training and seminars before sub-projects are implemented. Community volunteers were trained to do the jobs of budget officers, bookkeeper and engineers. Ordinary folk learn how to draft a program-of-work and read floor plans. The community volunteers showed willingness to participate by using what they learned in the community.
Similar activities (seminars, trainings and workshops) were also conducted in other KALAHI-CIDSS Phase 4 municipalities like Mercedes in Camarines Norte; Presentacion, Sangay, Balatan and Siruma in Camarines Sur; and Pilar in Sorsogon.province. ( KRSCMO/PIA) [top]