BAGUIO CITY, Dec. (PIA)– The Department of Social Welfare and Development gave recognition to its outstanding partners in the implementation of community driven development projects under the KALAHI–CIDSS or the Kapit Bisig Laban Sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services in the Cordillera region.
Dubbed as Bayani Ka Awards 2016, the recognition aims to give due acknowledgment to the exemplary efforts of local government units, community volunteers and active community efforts (Bayanihan) of citizen’s groups towards making community driven development a reality through participation, transparency and accountability.
For DSWD’s “Bayani Ka!” Outstanding volunteer category, Gabriel Pedro Sr. of Lengaoan Buguias, Benguet was awarded for Indigenous People’s Welfare; Demetria Gamileng of Villaviciosa Abra for gender; and Victor Pasian of Sagada, Mountain Province for Improved Local Governance.
For the “Bayani Ka!” Bayan (LGU) award, given plaques of recognition were the Barangay LGU of Catlubong, Buguias, Benguet and the Municipal LGU of Villaviciosa, Abra for the barangay and municipal categories, respectively.
The DSWD also gave plaques to the other regional nominees for the outstanding Volunteer Award namely Dick Castro and Relina Timbreza of Dolores, Abra; Mary Martin of Bauko, Mountain Province, and Nena Wasit of Tublay, Benguet.
For being nominated to the “Bayan” (LGU) award, also given plaques were the barangay officials of Demang, Sagada and the Municipality of Dolores, Abra.
Aside from plaques, regional winners of the Bayani Ka! Award also received cash incentives.
DSWD Cordillera Regional Director Janet Armas, assisted by the regional screening committee members– DSWD Asst. RD for Operations Mary Grain Dong–as; Greg Aris of NEDA and Sheryl Marie Belagen of NCIP led the simple awarding ceremony at the Chalet Hotel here, Thursday.
Armas outlined the importance of the active participation of local communities and volunteer individuals or groups in bringing the government development programs and services down to the far flung barangays.
The government cannot do it alone and through participatory governance, together with the local government units and the community people themselves, we can truly make community-driven development a reality, Armas said.
DSWD through the KALAHI–CIDSS program brings socio–economic and infrastructure development projects to community beneficiaries which the communities themselves identify as their priority needs. Each identified project is being implemented in partnership with the LGU and the local community. **By Carlito C. Dar
