Peace-promoting projects in Quezon, begin

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 7): Peace-promoting projects in Quezon, begin

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) had began implementing peace- promoting projects under the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services – Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan Program (Kalahi-CIDSS Pamana) in selected areas in Quezon province. The program is being implemented in coordination with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP). Most of the targeted areas under the program are the identified municipalities with conflict-affected barangays (CABs). These are Kalahi-CIDSS municipalities of Mulanay, and Catanauan with 23 CABs.

Each CAB will receive P300,000 grant as an augmentation of funds for the communities to implement infrastructure, and other development projects promoting peace. The project will implement the community driven development approach of Kalahi-CIDSS with the same program objectives- to empower people, to improve local governance and reduce poverty, but with special emphasis on barangays affected by conflict and violence.

Under the program, all CABs will be provided with development projects. A manner different to Kalahi-CIDSS which uses the participatory prioritization mechanism--a criteria-based vote casting by community representatives to decide which projects needs to be prioritized. The program specifies that the focus is strengthening the communities’ capacity to address issues of peace through activities that ensure participation. It also emphasizes that Kalahi-CIDSS is not only a poverty alleviation program but also an instrument in achieving peace and resilient communities in CABs.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=631354841436