BICOL — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region 5 has successfully completed and handed over 16 community-driven sub-projects across five provinces in the Bicol region, benefiting a total of 1,379 households.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DSWD-5 social marketing officer, these projects, valued at PHP7.1 million, were finalized in the provinces of Catanduanes, Camarines Sur, Sorsogon, Albay, and Masbate. The turnover to the local government units occurred from August 12 to 15. “We are thankful to all the communities that provided support for the completion of the projects. Most of the projects comprised child development centers, barangay health centers, pathways, road constructions, and a sanitary toilet,” Sertan explained during an interview on Friday.

The distribution of projects among the provinces was as follows: Catanduanes received three projects, Camarines Sur eight, Albay two, Masbate two, and Sorsogon one. Sertan highlighted that the projects were identified by the community members themselves, ensuring their relevance and sustainability.

The DSWD’s Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) program, which spearheaded these developments, is a community-driven initiative designed to empower local communities in the identification, implementation, and management of development projects.

Sertan also noted that there are various ongoing subprojects within the region, which are expected to be completed within the month, further contributing to the daily lives of communities across the six provinces of Bicol.