The Department of Social Welfare and Development through its Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services–National Community Driven-Development Program (KALAHI CIDSS–NCDDP) Field Office Eight is calling for nominations for the 1st bayanI Ka! Awards in recognition of the work done by program supporters – community volunteers, local government units, civil society organizations, and Area and Municipal Coordinating Teams for their active role in promoting CDD or Community-Driven Development.

The CDD is an approach used by KALAHI CIDSS–NCDDP that puts the power back in the hands of the people giving them the opportunity to identify their own needs and make informed decisions. They are also trained to prepare project proposals to address their common problems. These projects include local infrastructure such as water system, roads, bridges, health stations and school buildings, which can provide better access to social services and alleviate poverty for their development as a community.

The bayanI Ka! Awards is intended to acknowledge the hard work being put by the local, everyday heroes who put their own communities ‘bayan’ before their own selves ‘I’.

Each region will choose one bayanI on the six major categories including Gender, Disaster Risk Reduction Mgt./Environment Protection, Improved Local Governance, Indigenous People’s Welfare, Volunteerism and Peace. Winners of said awards will serve as spokespersons of the program in their respective arenas.

Criteria of selection for the awards include (a) bayanI or the bayanihan spirit; (b) Abilidad or the work done which has contributed to improving the community; (c) Yakag or the eloquence and ability to persuade people; (d) Asal, if the nominees demonstrate the values that KC-NCDDP promotes: participation, transparency and accountability; (e) Nais, if the nominees shows strong motivation to help the community and (f) Inspirasyon, who serves as a role model within the community.

Nominations will come from the Area Coordinating Teams (ACTs) of municipalities covered by KALAHI CIDSS-NCDDP. Closing date of nominations is extended until October 31. Regional winners from Eastern Visayas will be announced on November 18, while National winners will be awarded in Manila on December 5, the International Day for Volunteers. ###