DSWD Kalahi CIDSS Field Office VIII intensified its advocacy for Community-Driven Development through maximizing the LGU-initiated and LGU-funded Radio Station in Mayorga, Leyte.
The Regional Program Management Office tapped the Local Government Unit of Mayorga through a free and regular time slot in 103.5 FM Radio Station for regular program updating. The LGU has been positive with its response and gave Kalahi CIDSS time slot in the FM Station which is entitled An Kalahi Yana with a theme MagKalahi Tayo Pilipinas , Mr. Claro Sevillano as the program host.
First episode was aired April 17 of this year presented Kalahi CIDSS program updates and milestones of Mayorga and Eastern Visayas in achieving development objectives, also showcased success stories and program gains from Community Volunteers and presented program’s current direction to CDD Institutionalization.
Regional Social Marketing Officer Jonna Marquez presented the regional program’s milestones and updates saying there are 210 sub projects to be accomplished this year across 25 municipalities under the program.
Moreover, Area Coordinator of Mayorga Raul Tagle discussed the updates of implementation in Mayorga. According to him, to date there are five on-going sub projects, all with the provision of Disaster Risk Reduction Equipment and Health Amenities. There are eleven sub-projects to be implemented this year in Mayorga with 3,422 target beneficiaries. He emphasized that the Local Government Unit of Mayorga together with Community Volunteers, managed the over-all program implementation.
The first episode also featured success stories and program gains through Community Volunteers Raymundo Comora, Pacita Caidoy, and Joannie-Ann Garcio.
Raymundo Comora, a former Community Volunteer turned Barangay official, expressed that it is through the program that he was able to level up his confidence in extending service to his people. He advocated that the capability building interventions and decision-making process of the program be adopted to their community.
Moreover, Joannie-Ann Garcio told that Community-Driven Development provided oppurtunity for marginalized sectors to get involved in program implementation thus, making them empowered individuals. She articulated, “ Matungod sa Community-Driven Development na istratehiyang gamit ng Kalahi CIDSS program, napapamatian an tingog han mga kababayen-an ngan mga pobre.” [Through Community-Driven Development as a strategy used by Kalahi CIDSS program, the voices of the women and poor are heard].
On the other hand, Pacita Caidoy attested that the collective action of LGU and grassroot community have resulted to the successful implementation of sub-projects which alleviates poverty and improves their community.
Testimonies of the Community Volunteers are attesting evidences of the effectiveness of Community-Driven Development as a strategy for Community Empowerment, Transparency, Accountability, Participation and Poverty Alleviation and Improved Local Governance.
An Kalahi Yana with Mayorga FM Radio Station is aired every Wednesday at 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM.