Army men help build communities in Kalahi-CIDSS' areas

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 11): Army men help build communities in Kalahi-CIDSS' areas

They are out in conflict-ridden areas not as combatants but as community builders. The Bayanihan Team Operators of the 61st and 82nd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army have tied up with the Kalahi-CIDSS implementers in the province of Iloilo to help reduce poverty in the communities. Col. Arnold Quiapo, commander of the 301st Infantry Brigade said these Bayanihan Team Operators are soldiers deployed in conflict -affected municipalities in their respective areas. Quiapo said as public servants they are always ready to give full support and cooperation to the implementation of the Kalahi-CIDSS.

Kalahi-CIDSS Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) is the Philippine government’s flagship poverty-alleviation program that uses the Community-Driven Development (CDD) approach, a strategy that has been proven effective in addressing the needs of the poor.

Capt. Vicente de los Santos, Jr., Civil Military Operations Officer, said the Bayanihan Team Operators, underwent a two-day orientation on the Kalahi-CIDSS and how social services are effectively delivered, to make themselves effective partners of the project.

DSWD Kalahi-CIDSS Regional Coordinator Sharon Tusalem, who served as resource person, said there was a need for the teams to help the communities identify their actual needs and the solutions which the people themselves should work on together. Tusalem also said that it was necessary for the teams to help the people tie-up with their respective LGUs so that they can avail of resources through implementation of barangay-level projects.

Col. Quiapo added that the Bayanihan Team Operators are also there with the people to help them bring their issues and concerns to their local officials, to government agencies and other partners as needed. The participating teams were asked to present their proposed programs during the two-day orientation. The Bayanihan Operators are under the supervision of the 301st Infantry Brigade, 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division of the Philippine Army, based at Camp Adriano D. Hernandez, Dingle, Iloilo.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=911357888191