The Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services – National Community-Driven Development Program (KALAHI CIDSS-NCDDP), a flagship initiative by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in the Philippines, is a pivotal program in combating poverty. This social welfare program is unique in its approach and objectives, focusing primarily on empowering communities and reducing poverty among Filipino communities through sustainable solutions.
KALAHI CIDSS-NCDDP’s approach is all about involving community members in every step of the project. From planning to implementation and evaluation, they actively participate. This way, individuals in the community can identify their own needs and decide together on which projects to focus on. This not only ensures that the projects meet the community’s requirements but also fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility. These are crucial for the program’s long-term impact and sustainability.
Benefits
The program’s benefits reach far and wide across the country, notably as the KALAHI CIDSS-NCDDP:
- Empowers communities: Puts decision-making power in the hands of locals, fostering ownership and sustainability.
- Reduces poverty: Invests in infrastructure, livelihoods, and social services, directly addressing root causes of poverty.
- Promotes transparency and accountability: Utilizes a multi-level monitoring system to ensure funds are used effectively.
- Boosts local economies: Creates jobs and stimulates economic activity through project implementation.
- Strengthens social cohesion: Encourages cooperation and collaboration among community members.
Eligibility / Qualifications
1. Program Coverage (Municipalities):
Poverty Level: Primarily targeting 4th – 6th class municipalities classified as “poor” with poverty incidence above the national average of 26.5% (based on 2009 Small Area Estimates of the National Statistical Coordination Board).
Additionally covered: 1st – 3rd class municipalities with high poverty incidence (40% or higher).
2. Beneficiary Participation (Individuals):
KALAHI CIDSS-NCDDP does not directly target individual beneficiaries, but rather empowers entire communities through a participatory, community-driven development (CDD) approach.
This means that all members of the community are eligible to participate in the program’s decision-making processes and potentially benefit from its projects. However, certain factors might influence an individual’s involvement:
- Active participation in public meetings and activities: The program relies heavily on communal engagement. Individuals who actively participate in discussions, planning, and implementation hold greater sway over project decisions and potentially reap more benefits.
- Vulnerability and need: While the program doesn’t prioritize specific demographics, projects are often designed to address the needs of the most vulnerable members of the population, such as families living in poverty, marginalized groups, or those facing specific challenges.
Requirements
The program requirements for DSWD’s KALAHI CIDSS-NCDDP vary depending on whether you’re looking at it from the perspective of a municipality or a local area. Here’s a breakdown:
For Municipalities:
- Poverty Level: Must be classified as a “poor municipality” based on the latest official poverty statistics of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
- Local Government Commitment: Demonstrate commitment to CDD (Community-Driven Development) by allocating counterpart funds and enacting supportive policies.
- Institutional Capacity: Possess basic government structures and processes including a functioning planning and budgeting system.
- Peace and Order: Have a relatively peaceful and stable environment conducive to community participation.
For Communities:
- Needs and Priorities: Have identified felt needs and prioritized development projects through a participatory community planning process.
- Institutional Structures: Possess functional community organizations capable of managing project finances and activities.
- Social Harmony: Maintain internal peace and unity that allows for inclusive and collaborative decision-making.
- Willingness to Contribute: Demonstrate active community participation and willingness to contribute resources (land, labor, local materials) to projects.
Additional Requirements:
- Barangay Level: For barangays within municipalities covered by NCDDP AF (Additional Financing), at least 80% of households must belong to the poorest 50% in the barangay.
- Conflict-Affected Areas: For conflict-affected areas, specific protocols and considerations apply to ensure inclusivity and safety.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Apply for DSWD KALAHI CIDSS-NCDDP
While there isn’t a universal application process for DSWD KALAHI CIDSS-NCDDP as it’s a population-driven program and the initiative starts at the local level, here is a general overview of the program cycle and guide on how you can get involved in your own locale:
Community Empowerment Activity Cycle (CEAC):
- Community Preparation: This stage involves conducting initial meetings and orientations for local members to learn about the program, its principles, and how to participate.
- Problem Analysis: The population conducts participatory activities like workshops and consultations to identify priority concerns and needs they want to address.
- Sub-Project Planning: Based on the identified needs, the group plans and designs specific sub-projects, like constructing a bridge or installing a water pump. They estimate costs, allocate resources, and set a timeline for implementation.
- Sub-Project Approval: The populace submits their proposal to the Barangay Project Management Committee (BPMC) and other local government units for review and approval.
- Sub-Project Implementation: Once approved, the locale implements the sub-project themselves, managing funds and resources under the guidance of the BPMC and DSWD.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: Throughout the process, the project is monitored and evaluated by the group and external bodies to ensure proper implementation and effectiveness.
Getting Involved in Your Community:
- Connect with your Barangay Captain: Get in touch with your Barangay Captain or Kagawad to express your interest in the KALAHI CIDSS-NCDDP program and inquire about upcoming Community Preparation activities.
- Attend Community Meetings: Participate in initial meetings and orientations to learn more about the program and share your own concerns and ideas.
- Join Community Workshops: Actively participate in workshops and consultations where population needs and priorities are identified and discussed.
- Volunteer and Contribute: You can volunteer your time and skills to help with planning, implementation, or monitoring of sub-projects within your locale.
Video: How DSWD KALAHI-CIDSS benefits from CDD approach
In this video, discover the remarkable achievements of the DSWD KALAHI-CIDSS program, a testament to the power of the Community-Driven Development (CDD) approach. The program ensures active citizen participation in developmental activities, empowering communities to take the lead in their progress. Watch as the video unfolds the transformative journey of the KALAHI-CIDSS, highlighting how it has revolutionized community development and uplifted the lives of many Filipinos.