Manila:The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is actively constructing water systems through its Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) program to assist communities in coping with the impacts of El Niño and enhancing disaster resilience.

According to Philippines News Agency, the KALAHI-CIDSS program employs a Community-Driven Development (CDD) approach that empowers communities to build disaster resilience by developing sustainable infrastructure. This includes Small Water Impounding Projects (SWIPs) aimed at addressing severe drought, especially in areas with limited access to natural water sources.

The program, which has supported communities since 2003, has helped implement 4,803 water systems valued at approximately PHP5 billion. These initiatives provide vulnerable populations, particularly those in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs), with alternative water sources. The DSWD has also established the Panahon ng Pagkilos Philippine Community Resilience Project (PCRP) to bolster disaster preparedness, enabling local government units to facilitate participatory risk and vulnerability assessments.

Current data from the KALAHI-CIDSS National Program Management Office reveals that 103 municipalities have identified intense drought as a primary hazard, leading to the implementation of 200 subprojects to mitigate its effects. These projects include the construction and rehabilitation of water systems, solar-powered water pumping units, and rainwater harvesting systems, among others.

The KALAHI-CIDSS National Program Management Office plans to expand the PCRP to 880 municipalities, with funding from a World Bank loan covering the first 500 municipalities. This expansion aims to support comprehensive local resilience planning and foster community involvement in project development.

At the Tatak KALAHI-CIDSS Local Government Unit Awards in Bacolod City, the Municipality of Lopez Jaena in Misamis Occidental was recognized for its long-standing Molatuhan Bajo Level II Waterworks System, which has been operational since 2008. The CDD approach encourages resident involvement in decision-making, transforming communities into active partners in development.

Through these efforts, the DSWD continues to promote inclusive growth, strengthen climate resilience, and improve the lives of vulnerable Filipino families nationwide.