Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian has commended the provincial government of Iloilo for being the first provincial local government unit (PLGU) to institutionalize the community-driven development (CDD) approach.
“When I found out that Iloilo has their own provincial resolution or ordinance enshrining CDD, I can tell you that you are the first LGU (local government unit) to have that…may you be the shining beacon and example of a local government unit, of a provincial government unit that leads the way in community-driven development,” the DSWD chief said in his keynote speech during the province’s celebration of CDD Day.
The Iloilo provincial government has issued Provincial Ordinance No. 2025-336 which declared the 3rd Wednesday of September as CDD Day.
The annual observance highlights the province’s commitment to empowering communities, promoting participatory governance, and advancing inclusive, demand-driven development.
The DSWD chief expressed his gratitude to Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. for his LGU’s support to the efficient and effective implementation of the DSWD’s programs and services.
Gatchalian emphasized how the provincial government speaks the language of the DSWD by putting emphasis on convergence and synergizing with the national government.
“We have to work together, converge, use our limited resources to deliver the most efficient service, and you’re doing it already in your provincial level,” he said.
Defensor also expressed his support to the DSWD and its CDD program – the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan–Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services(KALAHI-CIDSS).
