The Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan–Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) is shifting its focus from improving access to basic services to strengthening community resilience under a new project.

The initiative, called the Panahon ng Pagkilos: Philippine Community Resilience Project (PCRP), aims to help communities prepare for, cope with and recover from shocks and crises.

The shift comes as the Philippines ranks third among countries most vulnerable to climate change, based on the 2017 World Risk Report. The program also takes into account economic losses from the COVID-19 pandemic and recent downturns.

Of the 500 municipalities targeted nationwide, 23 in Northern Mindanao have been selected based on poverty incidence, exposure to environmental hazards, stunting rates and the proportion of Indigenous Peoples.

Over three years, participating towns will conduct multi-year planning and receive grants ranging from 50 million pesos to 70 million pesos. The funds may be used for infrastructure to improve basic services, livelihood facilities and nature-based solutions.

Resilience-building is a priority under the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028 and the Social Protection Plan 2023–2028, which aim to address risks that could worsen poverty.

The project will focus on strengthening community capacity through participatory planning and targeted development investments.

“While PCRP may not completely eliminate vulnerability, it can strengthen communities’ coping capacity and resilience,” said Didith Bosoen, KALAHI-CIDSS deputy national program manager for technical support.

Program officials said PCRP will complement, not replace, services provided by local government units and will continue to use the community-driven development approach, which allows communities to lead decision-making and resource management.

The first batch of implementing municipalities in Region X includes Baungon, Malitbog, Sumilao, Damulog, Lantapan and Impasug-ong in Bukidnon; Nunungan, Tangcal, Tagoloan and Poona Piagapo in Lanao del Norte; and Concepcion, Don Victoriano, Sapang Dalaga, Lopez Jaena and Plaridel in Misamis Occidental.

PCRP is a five-year initiative of the Philippine government through the Department of Social Welfare and Development, in partnership with the World Bank.