By Xander Ledesma
Thirteen local government units (LGUs) in Western Visayas have been identified as beneficiaries of the “Panahon ng Pagkilos” (Time to Act) program, a follow-up initiative under the Kapitbisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS). The program aims to strengthen community resilience to climate change and disasters.
Director Arwin Razo of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Western Visayas announced on Friday that the program is expected to begin community engagement in 2025. “This initiative focuses on enhancing the ability of communities, especially those vulnerable to environmental risks, to respond and adapt to the impacts of climate change and disasters,” Razo said.
“Panahon ng Pagkilos” will be financed by the World Bank. The proposal, currently under review, is awaiting endorsement by the Regional Development Council and submission to the National Economic and Development Authority’s Investment Coordination Committee. Approval is anticipated before the end of 2024.
The program targets LGUs based on criteria including poverty levels, environmental hazard exposure, the prevalence of stunted growth in children under five, and the presence of indigenous families. The initiative builds on the achievements of KALAHI-CIDSS, which, from 2003 to 2024, invested over PHP10.43 billion and completed 9,313 sub-projects in Western Visayas.
To date, KALAHI-CIDSS has mobilized 61,154 community volunteers and benefitted 3.7 million households in the region. “Panahon ng Pagkilos” is set to expand this impact by addressing pressing environmental and social challenges through a community-driven development approach.