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.