Two new Child Development Centers (CDCs) were officially turned over and inaugurated in Barangay Zone II and Barangay Zone III, Lanuza, Surigao Del Sur, during a ceremony held on February 14, 2024 through the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) KALAHI-CIDSS Program.
The ceremony, which highlights the collaborative effort of the community and the local government unit, was attended by Local Government Unit (LGU), Barangay LGU officials, community volunteers, and staff from KALAHI-CIDSS, headed by KALAHI-CIDSS Deputy Regional Program Manager Ms. Elsa Villamor,
Ms. Maira Mangdag, KALAHI-CIDSS Area Coordinator, announced the establishment of a parent daycare organization to operate and maintain the completed CDCs. She assured the community of continued support from the LGU, as outlined in the signed Mutual Partnership Agreement & Certificate of Completion.
The key moment of the program was the turnover of the DSWD KALAHI-CIDSS Philippine Multisectoral Nutrition Project (PMNP) community Sub-Project. Ms. Villamor, representing DSWD Field Office Caraga, expressed her gratitude to the community and handed over the key of responsibility of the sub-project to Lanuza Mayor Marvin T. Azarcon, which was then handed down to the Punong Barangays, and the sub-project’s Operation and Maintenance Chairpersons.
Heartfelt testimonies followed, with community members expressing their appreciation for the improved facilities and the opportunity to volunteer. Mrs. Vicenta Sering, (SPELL OUT) CNSPMC Chairperson of Barangay Zone II, specifically mentioned the added comfort rooms as a significant improvement. Mrs. Dimples Villarino, Prrocurement Team Head, highlighted the guidance provided by KALAHI-CIDSS in making the project possible. Similar sentiments were shared by Barangay Zone III representatives.
Ms. Villamor delivered an inspirational message, commending the volunteers’ dedication and emphasizing the importance of the PMNP project in improving the community’s nutrition, particularly for children. Mayor Azarcon echoed this sentiment, stressing the value of community collaboration and expressing hope for more sub-projects in the future.
The ceremony concluded with closing remarks from the Punong Barangays, followed by photo opportunities and a celebratory lunch. These new CDCs represent a significant investment in the future of Barangay Zone II and Barangay Zone III children, providing them with a safe and nurturing space to learn and grow.
Kalahi-CIDSS, otherwise known as the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services, is one of the poverty alleviation programs of the Philippine Government being implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). It uses the community-driven development (CDD) approach, a globally recognized strategy for achieving service delivery, poverty reduction, and good governance outcomes.
