DSWD seeks stronger Kalahi-CIDSS program

The Department of Social Welfare and Development is set to hold National Consultative Meeting with local chief executives on 8 November to boost efforts in strengthening the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services of the agency.

DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said that he will meet with at least 650 local chief executives and various local government units at the SMX Convention Center in Angeles City, Pampanga.

The LCEs from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao are from select LGUs implementing Kalahi-CIDSS National Community Driven Development Program-Additional Financing and the Philippine Multi-sectoral Nutrition Project.

Meantime, DSWD assistant secretary for Strategic Communications Romel Lopez said that the meeting will ensure that implementing LGUs are engaged and involved in designing and employing strategies to maximize the impact of the program, and increase their level of involvement and participation in joint and more aggressive efforts in the completion of community sub-projects.

It also aims to provide a venue for an interactive engagement with the implementing LGUs to discuss the project's milestones, encountered challenges, issues and concerns, and ways forward to further enhance the program.

Lopez explained that the experiences of the LCEs in the implementation of sub-projects under Kalahi-CIDSS will help the Department and other LGUs to strengthen and further improve their community projects.

Other government agencies expected to join the consultative meeting are the Department of Health, Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Department of Public Works and Highways and the DSWD-attached agency National Commission on Indigenous Peoples.

Also participating in the Kalahi-CIDDS event are the Gawad Kalinga, Manila Water Foundation, non-government organizations and other partner organizations.