Not even heavy rains could dampen the spirit of volunteerism in Conner, Apayao, as community members came together on 7 August 2025 to celebrate the 2nd Kapit- Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services
(KALAHI-CIDSS) Day.

With the theme “Honoring Collective Volunteers’ Efforts Towards Transformative and Empowered Communities,” the celebration paid tribute to the dedication of community volunteers and barangay officials who have helped implement DSWD KALAHI-CIDSS projects across the municipality’s 21 barangays.

Conner is one of only two municipalities in the Cordillera Administrative Region, alongside Pudtol, Apayao, to hold a dedicated KALAHI-CIDSS Day. It is also the only one to reach its second year of celebration, reflecting its sustained commitment to community-driven development (CDD) and volunteerism.

Organized by the Conner Area Coordinating Team (ACT) led by Area Coordinator Jorlyn Ligawad, in partnership with the Provincial and Local Government Units, the festivities opened with a vibrant parade that pushed through despite the downpour.
Other highlights included the Community Pageant: Search for CDD Ambassador, the Talentadong Volunteers Show, and a native attire showcase.

DSWD Field Office CAR Regional Director Maria A. Catbagan-Aplaten, PhD, praised Conner for championing the principles of the program. She highlighted how the municipality’s second KALAHI-CIDSS Day reflects a deep understanding and embrace of the program’s CDD approach.

“KALAHI-CIDSS thrives because communities like Conner have made it their own. For more than a decade, you have shown that volunteerism, transparency, and participation are not just program requirements, they are the foundation of genuine, lasting progress,” RD Aplaten said.

KALAHI-CIDSS Project Evaluation Officer IV Florence L. Batawang commended the strong partnership among community volunteers, barangay officials, and the LGU. She acknowledged the years of sacrifices made by individuals from all walks of life and encouraged everyone to sustain the bayanihan spirit that has brought millions of pesos worth of development projects to Conner since 2011.

“Let us continue working hand in hand, for it is through our unity and bayanihan that Conner has achieved these milestones,” Batawang said.

Representing Mayor Jorico F. Bayaua, Municipal Administrator Dahlia B. Casuple expressed the LGU’s unwavering support for community development.

“The Local Government Unit of Conner fully supports programs that uplift our communities. This event shows the power of unity, resilience, and the volunteer spirit that drives real change. We thank all our volunteers for their continued dedication and heart for service,” Administrator Casuple said.

The 2nd KALAHI-CIDSS Day conveys the power of unity and shared purpose in building stronger, more empowered communities. Conner continues to set the standard in the Cordillera for inclusive, people-centered development driven by the spirit of volunteerism. #DSWD-CAR, SOCIAL MARKETING UNIT, Yvonne Gracious T. Elegado, Social Marketing Officer III