BHWs empowerment, Siquijor remain priority for KALAHI-CIDSS projects in C.Visayas

MINERVA BC NEWMAN

CEBU CITY – The Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) pushed for the development and empowerment of the Barangay Health Workers as the link to basic medical care at the grassroots while it continues to make Siquijor a priority for its projects, specifically Enrique Villanueva town.

 

According to DSWD-7 regional information officer Leah Quintana, with additional financing being implemented from 2021 until 2023, the program continues to provide adequate support not only to local government units (LGUs) but also to capacity-building for volunteers and sectoral groups whose roles are crucial in addressing poverty that resulted from the pandemic.

In Aloguinsan, Cebu, KALAHI-CIDSS under Phase 1 of its Additional Financing turned over four barangay health stations and one isolation facility with amenities, medical and disinfectant tools, equipment, and communication devices necessary for the operationalization of the facilities.

These facilities house the LGU’s basic health services and augment the available resources provided by other agencies. Barangay health workers (BHWs) will soon be deployed to operate these facilities and were given training programs appropriate to them, like community building and environmental safeguards, Quintana bared.

Punong Barangay of Bonbon, Owen Manguilimotan shared his experiences how KALAHI-CIDSS program helped them over the years with projects that were suited to their needs. Their participation in KALAHI-CIDSS not only enhanced their capabilities but also developed interpersonal and behavioral skills to prepare them for more challenges ahead.

“Despite the many areas where medical care is most needed, DSWD continues to capacitate our people with the right training, and it is an added value for our BHWs as they voluntarily render their time and efforts in the delivery of health care services,” Manguilimotan said.

Helen Ybañez, program Community Development Officer of Aloguinsan said the LGU encouraged that these projects be sustained and be used for many generations to come. She hopes that KALAHI-CIDSS of DSWD will carry the vision of Aloguinsan for a better and inclusive society.

Meanwhile, KALAHI-CIDSS continues to make Siquijor a priority for its projects, specifically in Enrique Villanueva town, one of the poorest municipalities in the country.  Since 2003, the program has provided several projects to Enrique Villanueva including rehabilitation of water systems, electrification of street lights through the installation of solar panels, construction of training and daycare centers, and access roads.

With the pandemic, DSWD-7 committed to support the small province of Siquijor, with 4 out of 6 towns engaged with the program. Various projects were implemented to help local communities proactively respond to health emergencies, such as the construction of isolation facilities, purchase of equipment and PPE sets, communication devices, medical tools, and rehabilitation of water systems.

DSWD-7 has poured in P35 million to fund these projects, while P11 million was provided by partner local government units (LGUs) in Siquijor as contribution to the implementation of projects with 1,636 volunteers mobilized to do various activities.

Barangay Development Council-Technical Working Group (BDC-TWG) Head and Community Volunteer Lynn Maria Magsayo shared her insights how the program transformed her to become an active citizen. “KALAHI did not promise us infrastructure projects but people’s empowerment and equal opportunity for all,” she said.

Volunteers suggest solutions to the problems that their community faces thus becoming the change they want to see in their own respective communities.

“With these projects, Barangay LGUs are ready to face the crisis now that they have received help from DSWD. And even if the pandemic ends, they plan to use these facilities as infirmary or birthing centers that will cater the needs of those poor individuals who cannot afford basic medical care,” KALAHI-CIDSS Community Development Officer Allan Quitoriano said.