Baguio city: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in the Cordillera region has pushed for the institutionalization of the Community-Driven Development (CDD) approach in government projects to ensure transparency and accountability.
According to Philippines News Agency, the CDD approach would also ensure quality projects, the full use of funds, and the participation of communities that would directly benefit from the project. Maria Aplaten, DSWD-Cordillera director, emphasized the importance of community involvement in the development process, noting that social preparation is enhanced through this approach.
The CDD approach allows communities to actively identify, plan, budget, implement, and monitor their development projects, promoting inclusive growth and poverty reduction. Aplaten highlighted the development of ownership among community members, ensuring the quality and successful completion of projects.
A recent example of the CDD approach in action was the construction of a drainage canal and pathway in Barangay Bontoc Ili, Mountain Province. Completed on August 27 and handed over to residents on September 1, the project was part of the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan - Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS), a poverty alleviation initiative by the DSWD.
KALAHI-CIDSS has been utilizing the CDD approach since its inception in 2003. Aplaten stated that the DSWD has been advocating for Congress to pass legislation that would institutionalize both the KALAHI-CIDSS and the CDD approach to ensure their continuation.
Manuel Ocana Jr., deputy regional program manager for KALAHI-CIDSS, highlighted the strict monitoring of projects under the program for transparency. He noted the importance of barangay-level implementation and community participation in tracking fund utilization.
Ocana added that before accessing funds, all necessary permits, documents, proposals, and computations must be in place and known to all parties involved. This system minimizes the risk of project failure or substandard outcomes, except in unlikely cases of collusion.
He also mentioned that throughout KALAHI-CIDSS' history, they have never been questioned about substandard or missing projects.
