Western visayas: Ten local government units (LGUs) in Western Visayas have been selected as initial recipients of the Philippine Community Resilience Project (PCRP), a new modality under the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS). The program, valued at PHP580 million, will implement sub-projects over the next three years.
According to Philippines News Agency, KALAHI-CIDSS Deputy Regional Program Manager Silverio Von Maguad III stated that the initiative, funded by the World Bank, aims to ensure resilient communities by strengthening community capacity to engage in resilience planning. Maguad emphasized the importance of community participation, stating that people from barangays will be actively involved, ensuring their voices are heard.
The PCRP sub-projects are set to benefit 332 barangays across ten municipalities, including Caluya, Valderrama, San Remigio, Tibiao, and Pandan in Antique; Madalag and Libacao in Aklan; and Concepcion, Carles, and San Joaquin in Iloilo. These areas were chosen based on factors such as high poverty incidence, environmental hazards, high stunting rates, and a significant percentage of Indigenous People.
The project allocates PHP50 million for first to third class LGUs and PHP70 million for fourth to sixth class LGUs. A requirement for participation is a counterpart contribution equivalent to 20 percent of the total grant allocation, either in cash or in kind.
Maguad mentioned that communities can propose a variety of projects, provided they meet feasibility criteria and avoid inclusion on a negative list. Potential projects include resilient infrastructure, livelihood initiatives, ecosystem conservation, and nature-based solutions.
Currently, efforts are underway to complete staffing for area coordinating teams that will oversee the project in the municipalities. Upon completion, the project aims to establish self-reliant communities equipped for long-term climate adaptation.
In related developments, an Asian Development Bank team conducted a technical visit to Iloilo last week to explore a potential expansion of the PCRP. The team, consisting of 18 consultants, reviewed KALAHI-CIDSS sub-projects in Maasin and Janiuay. Insights from their field visits and discussions with local government units, barangay officials, beneficiaries, and volunteers will inform the program's potential expansion.
The KALAHI-CIDSS program, a community-driven development initiative, has been implemented nationwide by the Department of Social Welfare and Development since 2002.
