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The Area Coordinating Teams (ACTs) of DSWD KALAHI-CIDSS resolves to capacitate its counterparts in the local government unit called the Municipal Coordinating Team (MCT) to prepare for an LGU-led type community-driven development (CDD) program implementation.

In a three-day technical session for KALAHI-CIDSS NCDDP field staff, ACTs defined the delineation of function and task between ACT and MCT, as well as coordinative tasks it can do to enhance coaching to MCTs.

An MCT is a composite team formed by the municipal local government unit (MLGU) where a KALAHI-CIDSS program is being implemented. The MCT observes and assists the Area Coordinating Team (ACT) of the DSWD in implementing activities along the Community Empowerment Activity Cycle (CEAC)—a five-stage process where CDD principles are put to practice for a period of one year (one cycle).

The Regional Program Management Office reiterates the thrust of the program to embed CDD principles and processes in the local governance system, thereby ensuring that MCTs are equipped to take over the administration of the program and sub-project implementation after ACTs are pulled out after a year of implementation.

“Na focus na ta sa construction, disbursement, and process… wala nay promotion [of CDD]”, said RPMO Community Development Officer IV, Rogelio A. Alabado, pointing out the stark reality in the field and re-echoing the main objectives of the program which is CDD integration in the LGU system.

With the integration, CDD principles will influence the local planning and budgeting process of the LGU, resulting in improved local governance. It ensures that transparency, accountability, and community participation are installed leading to the efficient delivery of social services.

For 2021 first sem, KALAHI-CIDSS NCDDP has a target of eight municipalities. Six of which are in Bukidnon namely: Don Carlos, Damulog, Dangcagan, Kadingilan, Maramag, Kitaotao, and two municipalities in Lanao del Norte: Sapad and Salvador where COVID-19 related sub-projects will be implemented by local communities.

The technical session provided a venue for the field staff to recollect and share their experiences while being in the program as part of the reflection session activity. The RPMO is currently waiting for the guidelines from the National Program Management Office to be cascaded to its field staff for full swing CDD program implementation.