The DSWD Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) has activated the Disaster Response Operation Procedure (DROP) to aid Local Government Units in managing COVID-19 crisis in their locality.
“DROP is a modality adopted by KALAHI-CIDSS whenever there is a disaster so we can respond immediately to the needs of the community,” Project Development Officer IV-Infrastructure, Engr. Abobacar Tocalo, of DSWD Field Office X Regional Program Management Office (RPMO) said.
A total of PHP120-million worth of COVID-19 related response programs will be implemented to eight (8) municipalities in Region 10. Seven (7) of which are from Bukidnon, one (1) from Lanao del Norte.
Province Municipality No. of Barangays Community Grant
Bukidnon San Fernando 24 20,000,000
Bukidnon Quezon 31 20,000,000
Bukidnon Kitaotao 35 19,795,200
Bukidnon Damulog 17 12,769,000
Bukidnon Kibawe 23 12,518,450
Bukidnon Kalilangan 14 15,938,800
Lanao del Norte Pantar 21 9,220,000
Bukidnon Malitbog 11 9,781,200
Total 176 120,022,650
Under DROP, eligible sub-projects related to health and local economic recovery will be financed by KALAHI-CIDSS such as procurement of PPEs and medical equipment, retrofitting of isolation units, repair of water systems, livelihood related activities, etc.
“DSWD will provide the funds, technology and manpower to LGU and barangays in implementing these projects,” Community Development Officer-IV, Roger Alabado, DSWD Field Office X RPMO said.
KALAHI field staff in the (8) municipalities have already finished conducting municipal orientation on DROP, gaining support from Local Chief Executives through the signing of Memorandum of Agreement between the LGU and DSWD. Barangay DRRMC meetings are lined up within the next few weeks for planning and project implementation kick-off.
“We are only given three (3) months to implement the sub-projects so that the benefits will be felt immediately by the community”, added Tocalo.
Maintaining the principles of Community-Driven Development (CDD) approach, KALAHI-CIDSS aims to mobilize the community by giving them control over their (1) decision making, (2) management of resources, and making sure there is (3) sustainability of the project.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s Proclamation No. 929 on March 16, 2020, declaring a State of National Calamity for a period of six (6) months prompted the new modality of KALAHI-CIDSS towards disaster response.
All sub-projects undertaken by the Barangay Local Government Unit (BLGU) are to strictly follow the Department of Health (DOH) standards and protocols, ensuring close coordination with the Municipal Health Officer in the implementation of these community-based projects.