Stakeholders of the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan- Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) program converged in a remarkable gathering to celebrate the transformative power of Community-Driven Development (CDD) and the invaluable contributions of KALAHI-CIDSS volunteers as change leaders in their communities. October 10-13, 2023 at Pearlmont Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City.

The congress, which drew more than 250 participants across the five provinces of Northern Mindanao, revisited the principles of CDD, the strategy used by KALAHI-CIDSS to engage citizens in the design, budgeting, and implementation of local projects to address their needs.

Members of the Barangay Development Council Technical Working Groups rediscovered their vital role in improving local governance by upholding Participation, Transparency, and Accountability in the community subprojects they implement.

LGU representatives also graced the event, inviting local chief executives and personnel who gained a better grasp and appreciation of CDD through KALAHI-CIDSS.

Deputy National Program Manager for Support, Ma. Consuelo Acosta, further promoted the call for CDD institutionalization, urging volunteers to become advocates of the CDD Bill.

The highlight of the event is the awarding of exemplary community volunteers through the Bayani Ka! Awards, recognizing twenty finalists who made significant contributions to the implementation of CDD in their locality.

Aljie M. Mercader from Barangay Bagongbayan, Kadingilan, Bukidnon bagged the Bayani Ka! Award for the individual category as Outstanding Community Volunteer, while the Butadon Solar Dryer with Warehouse and Ricemill Association (BUSODWARA) from Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte claimed the spot for the group category as Outstanding Community Organization and Community Services.

In a video message, DSWD Field Office X Regional Director Ramel F. Jamen thanked all the volunteers for embodying the spirit of Bayanihan through their involvement with KALAHI-CIDSS.

Participants return to their respective municipalities armed with new knowledge and renewed inspiration to advocate for community-driven development as a potent force for positive change and improved community well-being.