PROCESS DOCUMENTATIO REPORT

(KALAHI-CIDSS PROJECT)
MUNICIPALITY OF CABUCGAYAN

Background
In this Process Documentation Report put in the picture what
the Kalahi CIDSS (Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive

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and Integrated Delivery of Social Services) Program is a
community-driven development initiative implemented in the
Philippines.
This program aims to empower marginalized communities by
enabling them to identify and address their own development needs
through participatory decision-making processes.
The program follows a bottom-up approach, where communities
take an active role in planning, implementing, and monitoring
development projects. It emphasizes the principles of
inclusivity, transparency, and accountability, ensuring that the
voices of all community members, particularly the marginalized
and vulnerable, are heard and considered in the decision-making
process.
Kalahi CIDSS focuses on poverty alleviation and social
empowerment by providing financial resources and technical
assistance to communities. Through a participatory process called
the Community-Driven Development (CDD) cycle, communities
identify their priority projects, formulate proposals, and access
funding through a competitive grant system. The program also
offers capacity-building activities and training to community
members, enhancing their skills in project management, financial
literacy, and governance.
The program's impact has been significant, with numerous
success stories showcasing the transformative power of community
empowerment. By involving communities directly in decision-making
processes, the Kalahi CIDSS Program has led to the successful
implementation of various infrastructure projects, such as water
systems, school buildings, health centers, and farm-to-market
roads. These projects have not only improved access to essential
services but also generated employment opportunities, increased
incomes, and enhanced the overall well-being of community
members.
Moreover, the program has fostered social cohesion,
community ownership, and a sense of responsibility among
participants. Through the participatory approach, it has
strengthened the social fabric of communities, promoting unity
and cooperation. Furthermore, the program has enhanced local
governance by increasing transparency, accountability, and
citizen engagement in project implementation.

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 While the Kalahi CIDSS Program has achieved remarkable
success, challenges remain. These include the need for
sustainable funding mechanisms, ensuring the continuity and long-
term impact of community projects, and addressing issues of
social inequality and exclusion. However, the program's holistic
approach and community-driven model provide valuable lessons and
insights for other development initiatives worldwide.

In conclusion, the Kalahi CIDSS Program has demonstrated the

power of participatory development in empowering communities and
addressing poverty. By involving communities in decision-making
processes, providing resources and capacity-building support, and
promoting social cohesion, the program has enabled communities to
take control of their own development. The program serves as a
model for fostering inclusive and sustainable development,
emphasizing the importance of local knowledge, participation, and
ownership in achieving positive change.

Kalahi CIDSS, which stands for Kapit-Bisig Laban sa

Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social
Services, is a flagship poverty alleviation program implemented
by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in the
Philippines. It aims to empower poor and marginalized communities
by providing them with resources, skills, and opportunities to
address their own development needs.

The program was launched in 2003 as a response to the

government's commitment to achieving the United Nations
Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the national goal of
reducing poverty. Kalahi CIDSS is designed to promote community-
driven development, where community members have a say in
identifying their own needs, planning and implementing projects,
and managing resources. It operates on the principles of
transparency, accountability, participation, and empowerment.

The key feature of Kalahi CIDSS is the Community-Driven

Development (CDD) approach. Under this approach, communities are
involved in the entire project cycle, starting from the
identification of their most pressing needs, prioritization of

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projects, planning, implementation, and monitoring. The program
provides financial and technical support to communities to
implement their projects, which can include infrastructure
development, livelihood initiatives, capacity-building
activities, and social services.

The process of implementing Kalahi CIDSS involves several

key steps. First, the program identifies eligible municipalities
and barangays (villages) based on poverty indicators and
vulnerability criteria. These communities then undergo a
participatory barangay assembly, where community members are
informed about the program and are encouraged to identify their
needs and prioritize projects.

After the project identification phase, a Participatory

Situational Analysis (PSA) is conducted to validate and analyze
the identified needs. The PSA involves various methods such as
focus group discussions, surveys, and participatory mapping to
gather data and ensure the accuracy of the needs assessment.

Once the needs are validated, the community proceeds to the

project proposal preparation stage. Community members are trained
on project development, including writing proposals, budgeting,
and project management. The proposals are then submitted to the
program for review and approval.

Upon approval, the community receives funds for project

implementation. The community forms a Project Implementation Team
(PIT) composed of community volunteers who oversee the
implementation process. Regular monitoring and evaluation
activities are conducted to ensure that projects are implemented
according to plan and that funds are properly utilized.

Kalahi CIDSS also emphasizes the establishment of community

structures such as Barangay Sub-Project Management Committees
(BSPMCs) and Municipal Inter-Barangay Forums (MIBFs) to ensure
the sustainability of the projects and the active participation
of community members in decision-making.

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 Overall, Kalahi CIDSS aims to empower communities to
actively participate in their own development and reduce poverty
through community-driven initiatives. The program has been
recognized for its effectiveness in mobilizing communities,
promoting transparency, and improving the lives of the poor and
marginalized in the Philippines.

The Kalahi CIDSS (Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan

Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services) Program
is a community-driven development initiative implemented in the
Philippines. It aims to empower marginalized communities by
providing them with resources and opportunities to address their
own development needs. This process documentation report provides
an overview of the program's background, objectives, key
processes, and outcomes.
The Kalahi CIDSS Program was launched in 2003 by the
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in
collaboration with various other government agencies, non-
governmental organizations, and community stakeholders. It was
designed as a response to the government's commitment to poverty
reduction and the Millennium Development Goals.
The primary objectives of the Kalahi CIDSS Program are as
follows:
- To empower communities to actively participate in
identifying and addressing their development needs.
- To promote community ownership and sustainability of
development initiatives.
- To enhance the capacities of community members in project
management, decision-making, and resource mobilization.
- To reduce poverty and improve the overall well-being of
marginalized communities.

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 4. Key Processes
4.1 Community Empowerment and Organizing
The program starts with community organizing, where
facilitators engage with community members to form Community
Empowerment Activity Groups (CEAGs). These groups serve as the
foundation for community participation, decision-making, and
project implementation.

4.2 Participatory Resource Allocation

Through Participatory Resource Allocation (PRA), community
members identify and prioritize their development needs. This
process involves conducting community assemblies, social
investigations, and participatory exercises to ensure that
community voices are heard and decisions are collectively made.

4.3 Sub-Project Cycle

The Sub-Project Cycle is a critical component of the
program. During this phase, community members receive training on
project management, procurement, and financial management. They
develop project proposals, which are then evaluated and approved
by a participatory process. Once approved, communities implement
and manage their projects with technical assistance from the
program.

4.4 Social Preparation and Capacity Building

Social preparation activities include orientation and
training sessions to enhance community members' knowledge and
skills in project management, governance, and financial literacy.
Capacity building efforts aim to strengthen the skills of
community members to effectively participate in the program and
sustain the gains achieved.

5. Outcomes and Impact

The Kalahi CIDSS Program has achieved significant outcomes
and impact, including:

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 - Increased community participation and ownership in
decision-making processes.
- Improved access to basic services such as water supply,
sanitation, education, and health facilities.
- Strengthened local governance and community institutions.
- Enhanced social cohesion and empowerment among
marginalized communities.
- Reduction in poverty incidence and improved socio-economic
conditions.

6. Conclusion
The Kalahi CIDSS Program has proven to be an effective
community-driven development approach in the Philippines. By
empowering marginalized communities and promoting their active
participation in decision-making and project implementation, the
program has contributed to poverty reduction and improved the
overall well-being of the communities it serves.

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