Forty-four (44) municipalities in the Cordillera Administrative Region will now be implementing the Community Driven Development Project which is pioneered by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

From 13 municipalities in 2013, 31 additional municipalities will be implementing the National Community Driven Development Program (NCDDP), the scale-up of Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) Project.

Target areas for NCDDP implementation include 15 municipalities from Abra Province, seven (7) from Benguet Province, one (1) each in Kalinga and Apayao, two (2) in Ifugao and five (5) in Mt. Province.

DSWD OIC-Regional Director Janet P. Armas said that the expansion of the program aims to empower more communities in the region not just by having additional areas but also through the assistance which will be provided by government agencies other than the DSWD.

“In NCDDP, we will not just be expanding geographically, but we will be working more closely with other Government Agencies and partners so that we will provide wider scope of assistance to our communities”, Director Armas added.

The NCDDP will still use the Community-Driven Development approach of the Kalahi-CIDSS Project which allows the communities to assess and identify their needs for development. The approach also aims to promote transparency, accountability and community participation in the implementation of the project. The Local Government Units will still provide a counterpart for the grant provided by the DSWD. On the other hand, partner government agencies will provide their expertise based on the needs of the communities.

Consequently, additional198 posts for field staff are needed for the implementation of the said Program. Vacant posts include area coordinators, technical facilitators, financial facilitators and community empowerment facilitators. Individuals who have background in community organizing or working in field are encouraged to apply.

Interested individuals may submit their applications to the Human Resource Management Unit at #40 North Drive Baguio City or may call (074) 446-59-61 for clarifications. #DSWD-CAR, SOCIAL MARKETING UNIT, NFGV