BAGUIO CITY — The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office Cordillera Administrative Region (DSWD FO CAR), through its Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) program, formally launched the Panahon ng Pagkilos: Philippine Community Resilience Project (PCRP) on 25 March 2026 at Hotel Elizabeth, Baguio City.
The milestone event gathered local and national partners committed to strengthening climate resilience and disaster preparedness across the Cordillera region. The launch also featured the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement, formalizing the commitment of partner stakeholders to advance community-driven development (CDD) toward building resilient communities.
The PCRP is the newest modality of KALAHI-CIDSS, building on its proven CDD approach while focusing on climate and disaster resilience. In the Cordillera, it covers the provinces of Abra, Apayao, Benguet, and Mountain Province. These provinces were selected based on poverty rates, exposure to environmental and natural hazards, stunting rates among children, and the presence of indigenous peoples populations.
The forum also served as a platform for government leaders, civil society organizations, and community representatives to align strategies toward building safer and more resilient communities. Participants engaged in discussions to deepen their understanding of the PCRP framework, exchange best practices, and forge actionable partnerships for effective implementation.
Local leaders and stakeholders expressed strong support for the initiative, highlighting its potential to strengthen community resilience across the region.
“I reaffirm my full support for programs that empower our communities and contribute to building a better future for Abra,” Abra Vice Governor Anne Bersamin said.
“Conner is ready for the Panahon ng Pagkilos. When good governance is shared, success becomes inclusive,” Conner, Apayao Mayor Jorico Bayaua shared.
“As Panahon ng Pagkilos begins, Daguioman, an upland municipality prone to disasters, is ready to take part. Every hand that contributes strengthens our community, empowers our people, and ensures that together we can face challenges and build a better future,” Daguioman, Abra Mayor Salma Padilla said.
“The Regional Development Council-Cordillera Administrative Region (RDC-CAR) remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting programs that promote inclusive, resilient, and sustainable development. Together, let us sustain the momentum and work collectively toward achieving a Matatag, Maginhawa at Panatag na Buhay para sa lahat, especially for the people of the Cordillera region,” RDC-CAR Chair Elias Bulut Jr. stated.
“The Panahon ng Pagkilos exemplifies whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, aligning social protection, capacity development, and participatory governance with our shared vision of inclusive growth and sustainable development in the Cordillera,” Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev-CAR) Regional Director Edwin Apollo Pagano shared.
“Through the Panahon ng Pagkilos, we aim to extend the lessons and values of KALAHI-CIDSS by strengthening disaster preparedness and resilience, enhancing community capacities, and fortifying local governance systems across the region,” DSWD OIC Regional Director Enrique H. Gascon Jr. added.
Unlike other KALAHI-CIDSS modalities that focus mainly on reducing poverty through community projects and basic services, the Panahon ng Pagkilos puts emphasis on climate and disaster resilience. It still follows CDD principles of participation, transparency, and accountability but it also helps communities identify risks, prepare for disasters, and build their ability to adapt. The subprojects are no longer just about immediate needs but they are also designed to help communities better cope with and recover from climate change and natural hazards in the future.
Among those in attendance were representatives from the KALAHI-CIDSS National Program Management Office, DSWD FO CAR Regional Management Committee, Local Chief Executives and provincial leaders from Abra, Apayao, Benguet, and Mountain Province, National Government Agencies, Civil Society Organizations, academic institutions, development partners, and community leaders from across the Cordillera region. #DSWD FIELD OFFICE CAR, SOCIAL MARKETING UNIT, YVONNE GRACIOUS T. ELEGADO, Project Development Officer III (RPMO)
