The Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) awarded the Local Government Unit of Paranas, Samar as Best Model LGU for the implementation of the Makamasang Tugon in the recently conducted Year-End Assessment and Planning Workshop at the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) National Project Management Office.

The award was given to Paranas for its exemplary performance in harmonizing the Community Driven Development (CDD) processes and principles- the Participatory, Transparency and Accountability, in the LGU’s local planning process. Felix Babalcon, Mayor of Paranas, Samar, expressed his gratitude for the award and recognition given to his municipality.

“I was not expecting for this award, but I feel honored for this recognition that DSWD KALAHI-CIDSS has given us. Rest assured that we will continue to work hard to make the implementation of the project successful and to achieve its goals”, Mayor Boco said.

Another award that the DSWD Field Office Eight received was the Best Regional Finance Team. The criterion for the said award was the on-time submission of financial reports.

Clarito Logronio, Regional Financial Analyst, stressed “I was surprised to have received this award. This is the first time that we received such recognition since I started working in KALAHI-CIDSS”.

DSWD FO 8 was also recognized for its partnership with Avon Philippines for the provision of trainings on personality development and livelihood in communities implementing KALAHI-CIDSS.

Assistant Regional Director (ARD) and Regional Project Manager (RPM), Nestor Ramos, stated that it is good to give merits and recognitions to Regional Offices and field workers because it boosts the morale of the people and inspire them to work harder. He encouraged the staff to work with passion and diligence and to strengthen the documentation of activities, particularly those that are conducted in the communities.

“Let us work together as a team. Do your job faithfully and we in the management will do our best to provide your needs at the field on time; to provide you all the support and assistance that you need”, ARD/RPM Ramos added.

The KALAHI-CIDSS national year-end assessment and planning workshop was held in Bayview Park Hotel, Manila on February 1-3, 2012.

KALAHI-CIDSS is an anti-poverty project of the government spearheaded by the DSWD. It aims to empower the community, improve local governance, and reduce poverty.