A report released by Tuesday by DSWD Region 12 cited that at least 50,000 families in 219 barangays of 10 municipalities in the region have already benefited from various socio-economic projects implemented by the program since it started in 2003.
"These are projects identified by the beneficiaries themselves to help address problems on access to various basic in their communities," DSWD Region 12 information chief Rudy Jimenea said.
Kalahi-CIDSS:KKB stands for Kapitbisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services: Kapangyarihan at Kaunlaran sa Barangay, a poverty alleviation program managed by the DSWD.
The Kalahi program was designed to "empower the communities by providing the basic support services that would enhance their socio-economic development."
Under the program, the beneficiary-barangays receive a grant of P300,000 each for three cycles. Each cycle lasts for one year.
Of the P175.255-million grant from the World Bank for the region, Jimenea said P112.474 million have already been delivered by the national government to the beneficiaries, who have so far received P105.088 million.
Jimena said the total counterpart fund committed by local government units for the program has reached P84.95 million, of which P53.82 million were already utilized by the beneficiaries.
In Region 12, which covers the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Cotabato, Sarangani and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Cotabato and Kidapawan, the report said 135 infrastructure and service sub-projects have already been completed as of September this year.
The projects cover seven bridges, one for common service, five day care centers, four drainage systems, four electrification facilities, 17 health stations, 17 postharvest facilities, 25 roads, 18 schools, 35 water systems and two other related works.
On Tuesday, DSWD officials led by Assistant Secretary Ruel Lucentales inaugurated two infrastructure projects – a solar drier with warehouse and a double barrel box culvert in barangays Lower Maculan and Lamlahak here.
Another project, a three-classroom building in barangay Lamcade here, is scheduled for turnover and formal opening today.
Jimenea said at least 198 projects are still in the implementation stage and are expected to be finished within the next few months.
He said these projects are located in poor communities in Columbio and Lutayan towns in Sultan Kudarat, Lake Sebu and T'boli in South Cotabato and Libungan, Magpet and President Roxas in Cotabato province.