CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)–The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-10 allots P120-million worth of COVID-19 related response programs that will be implemented to eight towns in the region through Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan- Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) Disaster Response Operation Procedure (DROP).
The towns include Pantar in Lanao del Norte, and San Fernando, Quezon, Kitaotao, Damulog, Kibawe, Kalilangan and Malitbog in Bukidnon.
“DROP is a modality adopted by KALAHI-CIDSS whenever there is a disaster so we can respond immediately to the needs of the community,” Project Development Officer Engr. Abobacar Tocalo said.
Under DROP, eligible sub-projects related to health and local economic recovery will be financed by KALAHI-CIDSS such as procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE) and medical equipment, retrofitting of isolation units, repair of water systems, livelihood related activities, etc.
“DSWD will provide the funds, technology and manpower to LGU and barangays in implementing these projects,” Community Development Officer Roger Alabado said.
KALAHI field staff in the eight municipalities have already conducted the municipal orientation on DROP, gaining support from local chief executives through the signing of Memorandum of Agreement between the LGU and DSWD.
Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (DRRMC) meetings are also lined up within the next few weeks for planning and project implementation kick-off.
“We are only given three months to implement the sub-projects so that the benefits will be felt immediately by the community,” Tocalo said.
Maintaining the principles of Community-Driven Development (CDD) approach, KALAHI-CIDSS aims to mobilize the community by giving them control over their decision making, management of resources, and making sure there is sustainability of the project.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s Proclamation No. 929, March 16, 2020, declaring a State of National Calamity for a period of six (6) months prompted the new modality of KALAHI-CIDSS towards disaster response.
All sub-projects undertaken by the barangay local government units (BLGUs) are to strictly follow the Department of Health (DOH) standards and protocols, ensuring close coordination with the municipal health officer in the implementation of these community-based projects. (DSWD10/PIA10)
