Town exec readies cash counterpart for Kalahi-CIDSS projects

Loreto, Agusan del Sur Mayor Romeo Magadan in a statement recently said he is setting aside P1million cash counterpart even without the assurance that his municipality will be chosen in there will be KALAHI-CIDSS part 2. The town executive, lately approved a resolution signifying its intent to participate in the forthcoming continuation of this flagship anti-poverty project of the government implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

In a hand-over over ceremony held in Loreto last February 25, 2009, Mayor Magadan, along with eight of its council members, has signified their intent to avail more of KALAHI-CIDSS as "this is not just an answer, but a solution to the basic economic problems of our people," he said.

The KALAHI-CIDSS Project, which started implementing in the municipality since 2004, has ended its 3-year engagement with more than P20.5 million-worth of infrastructures, 18 community projects that benefits at least 4,582 households and trained some 596 volunteers along procurement, accounting, and operations and maintenance trainings.

"As mayor of this town, I felt really blessed because my constituents are now experiencing the services that KALAHI has offered," Magadan said. He also added that their need for water, school, health and road facilities are greatly satisfied thus improving the economic situation of his people.

Meanwhile, DSWD Regional Director Meredita P. Jabagat challenged the local government unit to maintain the infrastructures given them and to sustain the technologies introduced by KALAHI-CIDSS. She said that it may be one of the criteria for the selection of future projects to be implemented by the department.

"KALAHI-CIDSS will end this June but I believe that negotiations for the next project is underway. So I am urging you to keep your commitments and maintain the good standing of your municipality so that we will be partners again in our future endeavors," Dir. Jabagat explained.

The KALAHI-CIDSS Project is now its final year of implementation in the municipalities of Libjo, Dinagat Islands; Pilar, San Benito and Socorro, Surigao del Norte; Bayabas, Tagbina and Marihatag in Surigao del Sur. Former KALAHI-CIDSS areas were Jabonga, Carmen and Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte; La Paz, San Luis, Esperanza and Loreto, Agusan del Sur; San Isidro, Surigao del Norte; and San Miguel, Surigao del Sur. The project, which started on 2003 will end in June 2009. (DSWD-13/ PIA-Caraga)

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