The DSWD Field Office Cordillera Administrative Region recognized 8 exemplary groups to honor their contribution in the DSWD KALAHI-CIDSS Program during the 2023 Regional Bayani Ka! Awarding Ceremony on 30 August 2023 at Orchard Hotel, Baguio City. In addition to that, 12 finalists were also selected from the different categories.
Barangay LGU and Barangay Development Council-Technical Working Group of Barangay Laylaya were awarded under the category for Indigenous People’s Welfare. They were recognized as they promoted the cultural values of inclusivity, practicing “Inayan” values, and respecting each one’s cultural differences to forge a strong relationship between the Applai, and the Bago-Igorot Tribes as the inhabitants of Sitio Maliten.
Meanwhile, Improve Local Governance award was given to the Barangay LGU of Camatagan. True to its vision and mission, the Barangay Local Government Unit of Barangay Camatagan, always made sure that every decision is for the good and development of their community. Also, during their meetings they also invite and involve all the residents and stakeholders in the community.
For the Youth Category, Youth Mobile Force Mountain Province was recognized due to their effort for sustainable self-empowerment and community involvement. The members also were engaged in the project implementation as one of the man power.
On the other hand, Kabataan Kontra Droga at Terrorismo (KKDAT) received the Just and Peace category. KKDAT had been conducting developmental sessions and activities to hone the students and youth become community-involved individuals, they created ripples of change in the society.
For the award for the Elderly group, it was awarded to Besao Municipal Citizen’s Organization for showing that the seniors can still contribute to the development of the community. Notwithstanding the limitations of their age, they were still able to bank on their time-tested skills and capabilities to help in the development of their respective barangays.
Meanwhile, Tadian Namnama Oganization was recognized for the Persons with Disability category. PWDs actively engaged in the implementation of the KALAHI-CIDSS program in their barangays, they participated as Pakyaw members, and volunteers. Even though they have disabilities, they can perform tasks and participate.
Pugo Women’s Association brought home the award for category Gender and Development for being empowered that they can do much more than cooking, they experience to be involved into heavy work and construction jobs. The organization was also identified as leaders on the maintenance and improvement of community sub-projects.
The last category is Environment Protection which was given to Greener Pastures Ad Holnad Inc. for advocating the importance of watershed management and environment protection. Volunteered on the KALAHI – CIDSS projects implemented in the community to ensure transparency and quality of the project implemented.
BAYANi Ka! Awards is the highest recognition given by the DSWD Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) to its exemplary communities and partners in implementing and promoting the community-driven development (CDD) approach
Representing DSWD Field Office CAR Regional Director Leo L. Quintilla, OIC-Assistant Regional Director for Operations Amelyn P. Cabrera said the award is along with advancing compassionate and collective action, exemplified transparency, accountability, and participation adding that true heroism is doing something for the constituents without asking any favor.
Kabataan Kontra sa Droga at Terrorismo (KONTAD) President Lindsay Loogan, expressed that their award amplifies their commitment to making a difference and fuels their determination to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible. #DSWD-CAR, Social Marketing Unit, Lani Dale S. Langbis
