CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in the Mimaropa region has announced the completion of 813 sub-projects through the Kapit-bisig Laban sa Kahirapan–Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) program for the year 2023.

The projects totaling to P766.2 million are set to positively impact the lives of 334,784 households across the region.

The KALAHI-CIDSS program is designed to empower local communities by providing them with the resources and autonomy to address their most pressing needs, especially for the marginalized communities in the region.

As implemented by the DSWD, the program embodies the spirit of inclusivity and participatory development, allowing community members to actively participate in the planning, implementation, and maintenance of projects that directly affect their lives

The completion of the projects also underscores the importance of unification and collaboration between various stakeholders and local government units.

The 813 completed sub-projects span a diverse range of initiatives, including infrastructure development, livelihood programs, and social services-- from the construction of community centers and classrooms to the establishment of water supply systems and electrification projects.

One of the sub-project that had a long-lasting impact in the community is the construction of water system in the barangays of Armado and Tibag in the municipality of Abra De Ilog in Occidental Mindoro. Residents of the area thanked the agency for the water system project they have received. According to them, a functioning water system ensures that they have access to clean water for drinking, cooking, sanitation, and agriculture. 

In addition, implementing an efficient water system in barangays that lack source of clean water not only improves living conditions but also fosters resilience against the impacts of climate change, and ensuring sustainable growth.

The department looks forward to building on this momentum, continuing to empower communities and fostering a culture of self-reliance and sustainability in the year 2024 onwards. (JJGS/PIA MIMAROPA)