The DSWD KALAHI-CIDSS (Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services) Program is a flagship poverty reduction program implemented by the Philippine Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Launched in 2002, KALAHI-CIDSS employs a community-driven development (CDD) approach to empower marginalized communities by enabling them to identify, prioritize, and implement their development projects.
Objectives of the Program
KALAHI-CIDSS aims to reduce poverty and inequality by providing communities with the resources and support needed to address their most pressing needs. Key objectives include:
- Empowering communities to participate in the decision-making process regarding the allocation and utilization of development funds.
- Strengthening local capacities for project management, planning, and implementation.
- Enhancing access to basic social services and infrastructure in poor and underserved areas.
- Promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance at the grassroots level.
Brief History and Development
The CIDSS program was launched under the auspices of the Philippine government, particularly the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). It aimed to address poverty and social exclusion by empowering marginalized communities to identify and implement their development projects.
At the heart of CIDSS was the adoption of a community-driven development (CDD) approach. This approach recognized the importance of local participation, decision-making, and ownership in the development process.
Over the years, CIDSS expanded its coverage and refined its methodologies to better meet the needs and aspirations of participating communities. It incorporated lessons learned from implementation experiences and adapted to changing socio-political contexts.
In 2014, CIDSS was integrated into the KALAHI program, forming the DSWD KALAHI-CIDSS Program. This integration aimed to align CIDSS with broader poverty reduction efforts under the KALAHI banner and strengthen synergies with other social development initiatives.
Program Components
1. Community-Driven Development (CDD) Approach
KALAHI-CIDSS places communities at the center of the development process, empowering them to identify and address their own needs through participatory decision-making and action.
2. Participatory Planning and Decision-Making
Communities engage in a participatory process to identify, prioritize, and implement sub-projects based on their needs and aspirations.
3. Sub-projects and Activities
Sub-projects typically include infrastructure development (e.g., water systems, roads, schools), social services (e.g., health centers, daycare facilities), and livelihood initiatives.
4. Capacity Building and Empowerment
KALAHI-CIDSS provides training and capacity-building activities to community members, local government units, and partner organizations to strengthen their skills in project management, financial literacy, and community organizing.
Benefits of the KALAHI-CIDSS Program
The DSWD KALAHI-CIDSS Program offers a range of benefits to participating communities and stakeholders, contributing to poverty reduction, social inclusion, and sustainable development. Some of the key benefits of the program include:
- Community Empowerment
KALAHI-CIDSS empowers communities by allowing them to identify their own development needs, prioritize projects, and actively participate in decision-making processes. This fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among community members, leading to increased social cohesion and collective action.
- Improved Access to Basic Services
Through the implementation of various sub-projects, such as water systems, health centers, schools, and roads, KALAHI-CIDSS improves access to essential services in marginalized and underserved communities. This enhances the quality of life and well-being of community members, particularly those living in remote or disadvantaged areas.
- Enhanced Social Capital
The program strengthens social capital by promoting collaboration, trust, and reciprocity among community members. By working together to address common challenges and achieve shared goals, communities develop stronger social networks and solidarity, which are essential for sustainable development.
- Capacity Building and Skills Development
KALAHI-CIDSS provides training and capacity-building activities to community members, local government units, and partner organizations, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to plan, implement, and manage development projects effectively. This builds local capacities and promotes self-reliance over the long term.
- Promotion of Good Governance and Accountability
The program promotes principles of good governance, transparency, and accountability at the grassroots level. By involving communities in decision-making processes and ensuring transparency in the allocation and management of resources, KALAHI-CIDSS helps build trust between citizens and government institutions.
- Poverty Reduction and Economic Development
By addressing the root causes of poverty and investing in human and social capital, KALAHI-CIDSS contributes to poverty reduction and economic development at the local level. Through the creation of livelihood opportunities, infrastructure development, and improved access to services, the program enhances economic resilience and promotes sustainable livelihoods.
- Inclusive and Participatory Development
KALAHI-CIDSS promotes inclusive development by actively engaging marginalized groups, including women, indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable populations. By ensuring the meaningful participation of all community members, the program seeks to reduce social inequalities and promote social inclusion.
Eligibility Criteria
The DSWD KALAHI-CIDSS Program primarily targets marginalized and vulnerable communities in the Philippines that face significant challenges related to poverty, social exclusion, and lack of access to basic services. Here are some key groups that may qualify for the program:
- Low-Income Communities
Communities with high levels of poverty and limited access to basic services such as clean water, education, healthcare, and infrastructure are prime candidates for the KALAHI-CIDSS Program.
- Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA)
Remote and geographically isolated communities that face barriers to accessing essential services and economic opportunities may qualify for the program’s support.
- Indigenous Peoples (IPs) Communities
Indigenous communities that experience marginalization, cultural discrimination, and socio-economic disparities may be eligible for assistance through the program.
- Conflict-Affected Communities
Communities affected by armed conflict, natural disasters, or other emergencies may qualify for the program’s support to rebuild infrastructure, restore livelihoods, and promote peacebuilding and reconciliation efforts.
- Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)
Vulnerable groups such as women, youth, and persons with disabilities often face unique challenges and barriers to accessing development opportunities. The program aims to promote inclusion and empowerment among these populations.
- Barangays with High Poverty Incidence
Barangays (villages) and municipalities with high poverty incidence rates, as determined through poverty mapping and other socio-economic indicators, may be prioritized for program interventions.
- Communities Demonstrating Readiness and Commitment
Communities that demonstrate readiness, willingness, and capacity to participate in the program, including active engagement, community mobilization, and commitment to the principles of community-driven development, may qualify for support.
Implementation Process
The implementation process of the DSWD KALAHI-CIDSS Program involves several key steps and phases, guided by the principles of community-driven development (CDD) and participatory governance. The process typically includes the following components:
Step 1: Selection of Participating Communities
Communities are selected based on criteria such as poverty incidence, vulnerability, and willingness to participate.
Step 2: Formation of Community Volunteers and Committees
Community volunteers and committees are established to facilitate the implementation process, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Step 3: Project Identification and Prioritization
Communities conduct participatory planning exercises to identify their needs and prioritize sub-projects.
Step 4: Fund Allocation and Management
Funds are allocated directly to communities, which are responsible for managing and disbursing funds according to project requirements.
Step 5: Monitoring and Evaluation Mechanisms
KALAHI-CIDSS employs rigorous monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track project progress, assess impact, and ensure accountability.
Video: Kalahi CIDSS-NCDDP Story | The Challenges During the Implementation of the Program
This video serves as a testament to the transformative power of community-driven development, illustrating how the KALAHI-CIDSS program has empowered marginalized communities across the country to address their most pressing needs and create positive change from within. Look how their lives drastically changed because of the success of their bridge project by watching the video.