One of the necessary issues guaranteed in the implementation of any of the Kalahi-CIDSS sub-projects is the supervision and quality control practices that definitely have a very big impact in the completion of a certain sub-project.  The Regional Project Management Office (RPMO) ensures that those working for the sub-projects have the necessary knowledge and skill to guarantee the best quality of work possible.

The Kalahi-CIDSS program invests on empowering the community through volunteerism.  A hefty amount is provided to communities to work on sub-projects that would answer their most pressing needs.  It is a big thing that the money does not go to waste.  And with the mobilization of volunteers to work on the sub-projects, it is really a risk for the quality and supervision of the sub-project to be compromised.

Engr. Johnny V. Eman, chosen by the community to head their Kalahi-CIDSS sub-project as the Barangay Sub-Project Management Council Chairman for Barangay Solinog, Calamba, Misamis Occidental,  willingly accepted the challenge. Having no experiences, whatsoever, in being part of any government projects, Engr. Eman was ready to face any challenges for his endeavor with the Kalahi-CIDSS project (AusAID-funded sub-project) of one (1) Day Care Center unit. One thing that encouraged him to do so was the promise of the KC RPMO that technical assistance will surely be provided to the volunteers.

Overseeing for the implementation, Engr. Eman was all hype having to be in a field he has loved for so long and missed of doing. Construction was a significant part of his life working as a Project Engineer for RALS Contraction at Dubai, United Arab Emirates for two (2) years. Being back working for the KC project, he was excited because he is confident that he will be able to do the job properly, and that he could also share his knowledge and skills to the other volunteers.

First off for Engr. Eman was that, even if the sub-project being worked on was fundamentally basic, he wanted to ensure that the supervision and quality control practices were following standard methodology.  Everyone was to follow the basic requirements for construction.  Simple stuffs like wearing of proper personal protective equipment, proper storage of construction materials, maximized use of materials (least possible wastage of materials especially those that require cutting of steel bars, plywood, etc.) were given utmost attention.

Engr. Eman ensured that all those working for the project was able to follow these protocols for their own good. The necessary knowledge and skills acquired in the implementation would go a long way for these volunteers, this is why Engr. Eman invested on these things. He said that what is more important than the finished Day Care Center for the children was the experience of the volunteers. The learning’s they would have with their endeavor with Kalahi-CIDSS would be a stepping stone for future engagement.

The Kalahi-CIDSS program is more than a project which provides infrastructure for access to basic social services. Its main agenda is to empower individuals in the community to be self-reliant, one thing that Engr. Eman understands. Following supervision and quality control practices may be a simple matter, but would definitely go a long way for these volunteers.

Kalahi-CIDSS may be implemented in the most far-flung areas of the country, but this does not mean that things are done differently.  The RPMO ensures that basic methodologies are followed at the frontline of work.  The same practices are followed to ensure the same success. The Kalahi-CIDSS FO-X RPMO would go the extra mile to safeguard not just the results of the project implementation, but also the positive learning and experiences of the KC volunteers and beneficiaries.

Written by Marko Davey D. Reyes – Social Marketing Officer (Kalahi-CIDSS)