Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian will lead the launch of the ‘Panahon ng Pagkilos’ Resilience Project on Wednesday (Nov. 20), marking a new phase of local empowerment under the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) Program.
“Resilience begins with empowered communities. Through KALAHI-CIDSS, we strive to build a nation where people can lead the change they wish to see. This event serves as an opportunity to kickstart our successor project,” said lawyer Bernadette Mapue-Joaquin, national program manager of KALAHI-CIDSS.
The ceremony, which will be held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Cebu City, will include the pinning of a commitment and oath of support, emphasizing strong partnerships among national agencies, local government units (LGUs), and development partners, said Mapue-Joaquin.
The launch of the Panahon ng Pagkilos: The Philippine Community Resilience Project (PCRP) coincides with the Annual Local Chief Executive (LCE) Forum and the Tatak KALAHI-CIDSS Local Government Unit (LGU) Awards.
The event’s theme, “Sustaining Gains for Resilient Communities,” emphasizes the government’s commitment to empower local communities through a Community-Driven Development (CDD) approach that focuses on inclusivity, sustainability, and resilience, said Mapue-Joaquin.
The event will also feature the release of the “20-Year Journey” Coffee Table Book, a publication highlighting two decades of community transformation.
The coffee table book was produced in partnership with the Ayala Foundation, Inc. Its president, Antonio Joselito G. Lambino II, is expected to grace the ceremony.
Development partners led by World Bank Country Director Zaffer Mustafaoglu will also reaffirm their support for the KALAHI-CIDSS program and the long-standing partnership in advancing community resilience initiatives,
The Tatak KALAHI-CIDSS LGU Awards will honor 16 local government units across the country for their outstanding leadership in implementing Community-Driven Development (CDD) projects.
Special citations will also be awarded to development partners which have contributed to collaborative projects aimed at promoting local development and enhancing governance.
