“I want to help my constituents. Even if I’m just an ordinary citizen, I’d like to be part of any development initiatives in our barangay,” says Jose Ayon, Barangay Sub-Project Management Committee Chairman.

“That’s what brought me here!”  He furthered said.

Jose Ayon is one among the 57 participants who attended the Municipal Participatory Situation Analysis in the town of Hernani in Eastern Samar. The activity is part of the KALAHI-CIDSS cycle that aims to orient the participants on the process and tools in the conduct of Participatory Situation Analysis at the barangay level, and enhance the knowledge of volunteers on leadership.

KALAHI-CIDSS KKB or the KapitBisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services, Kapangyarihan at Kaunlaran sa Barangay, is a national anti-poverty alleviation project with the key objective of empowering, strengthening local governance and fostering development in the barangay.

Mang Jose is an ordinary folk in Barangay Padang. Farming, fishing and carpentry are his sources of income which support the needs of his family.

He is known in their village, as an active and persuasive volunteer. He always participates in any development activities in the barangay.  Indeed, he is the type of person that never refuses to embrace voluntary works.  In fact, every time that any development programs came in the barangay that need volunteers and officers, he is always elected.

“I don’t have any plan to run for any government position or any political reign. I just want to fulfill my dreams seeing my co-constituents get out from the difficulty of overpowering poverty.” Mang Jose continued.

“We almost had the chance to fulfill our dreams; we thought that some of the problems will be soon addressed. Unfortunately, the problems remain unanswered.” He added.

Recently, the community experienced disappointment from an organization. It was a non-government organization which came in to the barangay to implement a community-based program. A consultation was conducted to identify some pressing problems of the community. Difficulty in accessing potable water supply was one of the identified problems which were prioritized.  Preparation of documents, series of meetings, and consultations took place. As a result, people in the village expected that their problem will be solved soon.  However, the plan was not pursued. Ironically, they were not informed on the reason of failure of implementation.

In this regard, some people became passive of barangay activities such as barangay assemblies.  During the first barangay assembly conducted by the KALAHI-CIDSS, only few attended.  Some people lost hope and became close-minded. They became doubtful of any programs like the KALAHI-CIDSS. Among the barangays implementing the program, they had the lowest participation rate.

This performance came to the concern of Municipal Mayor. Mayor Tagon, who ascertained that aside from the barangay council down the community, who are responsible in assisting any KALAHI-CIDSS activity, Municipal Inter-Agency Committee and Sanggunian Bayan members, likewise, had an assigned barangay to focus and give support to encourage communities to participate and support the implementation of the program.

“I feel the sincerity of KALAHI-CIDSS to seriously implement such poverty reduction program in a depressed community like ours. Likewise, it is a good sign seeing our leaders from the barangay up to the municipal level showed support in this endeavor.” Mang Jose continued.

Municipal Mayor Tagon likewise ensured that the new administration who still have the support to the KALAHI-CIDSS implementation.  In fact, the upcoming Municipal Mayor which was formerly a Sanggunian Bayan member indorsed the incumbent to enter into contract to support the program.

“Nothing will happen if we surrender after the failure. There’s always hope ahead, what’s important is the unity and cooperation in battling against poverty.” Mang Jose said.

Some communities were slowly enlightened and became optimistic. Volunteers, municipal government officials, and the KALAHI-CIDSS staff are joining hands in bringing the program to the minds and heart of the people, not only in this barangay but in all barangays as well.