TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Sept. 5 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through the Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) conducted recently a two-day community-driven development (CDD) activity dubbed as "Pamumunong Makamasa: LGU (local government unit) and CV (community volunteer) Exchange" held in Bayabas town.

The said activity aims to institutionalize the CDD process, which was a globally recognized strategy in achieving service delivery, poverty reduction, and good governance outcomes.

During day one, the LGU officials, employees, and the CVs underwent a short orientation on their roles and responsibilities followed by a focus group discussion with what they have experienced during the activity.

The activity helped the participants value their roles and responsibilities in the community, said Regional Community Development Specialist (RCDS) Elsa Montemor.

"There's more that they can do being just an ordinary citizen, and it has proven through the CDD," said Mayor Maria Clarita Garcia Limbaro, who is also an advocate of participatory governance.

Mayor Limabro added that volunteerism is very strong in Bayabas. "We count their contributions. CDD does not just create the building but it builds people and empowers the people in the community," she said.

Bayabas town has been a recipient of the KALAHI-CIDSS project from 2006 up to present.

Based on the data, 44 subprojects have already been implemented in the area amounting to 22,390,101.30. Of the total amount, P19,745,819.86 of which was the grant received from the funding partner agencies, while P2,644,281.44 was the LGU counterpart. Meanwhile, the participants (LGU officials, employees, and volunteers) committed to institutionalize and support the CDD strategy of the DSWD's KALAHI-CIDSS as they signed the pledge of commitment. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)