BAGUIO CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the World Bank validated proposed community resilience projects in Bokod and Buguias, Benguet, during a review mission held from September 29 to October 2.
The field validation was part of the second Implementation Support Mission for the Panahon ng Pagkilos: Philippine Community Resilience Project (PCRP), a climate adaptation initiative under DSWD’s Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) program. The mission assessed whether proposed investments addressed risks identified by communities through participatory assessments and municipal resilience planning.
The mission reviewed Municipal Resilience Plans (MRPs) and Participatory Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (PRVA) results before proceeding to selected project sites in Benguet.
On September 30, the team visited Barangays Bila and Ambuclao in Bokod to validate proposed projects identified through their respective Municipal Resilience Plans. These included the construction of slope protection in Bila and the concreting of foot trails with railings in Ambuclao.
On October 1, the team proceeded to Barangays Lengaoan and Amgaleyguey in Buguias. In Lengaoan, the team validated a proposed access road improvement project and visited the sinking area in Sitio Pilando, which had been identified as a community risk area. In Amgaleyguey, the team validated proposed improvements to slope protection and a storm drainage canal.
World Bank Senior Water Specialist Georges Comair, PhD, said the mission was an opportunity to work with communities to identify challenges and develop practical, community-owned solutions.
“Pagkilos, which means action, is a landmark initiative led by the DSWD with strong support from the World Bank. It builds on the proven community-driven development approach of KALAHI-CIDSS and the goal is clear: to strengthen the capacity of vulnerable communities like yours to plan for resilience, identify climate and disaster risks and invest in solutions that protect lives, livelihoods, and our future,” Comair said.
He also acknowledged the contributions of community volunteers, noting that their time, energy, and commitment were central to project implementation.
The mission also provided an opportunity for DSWD to address implementation concerns and identify areas requiring technical assistance and policy guidance.
Assistant Secretary for Promotive Programs Edmon B. Monteverde called for open communication among the Regional Program Management Office (RPMO), Area Coordinating Teams (ACTs), and National Program Management Office (NPMO) as implementation progresses.
“This is an opportunity for us to clarify the matters and concerns that we have encountered in the course of implementing the PCRP, especially as we navigate the different processes involved in its implementation. I hope these can be addressed through the assistance of the RPMO, ACTs, and NPMO, particularly in providing technical assistance and developing the necessary policy guidelines. Let us maintain open communication as we move forward with the implementation of PCRP,” Monteverde said.
The World Bank delegation was led by Comair and Social Development Specialist Josephine Jade. They were joined by representatives from the DSWD Central Office, KALAHI-CIDSS NPMO, DSWD Field Office CAR RPMO, ACTs, and the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DepDev), a member of the Regional Steering Committee.
The mission concluded with an exit conference in Baguio City on October 2, where the World Bank team presented its observations and recommendations from the technical review and field validation.
DSWD Field Office CAR Officer-in-Charge Regional Director Enrique H. Gascon Jr. said the mission reflected the Cordilleran values of dap-ay, a space for dialogue and collective decision-making, and binnadang, the spirit of helping one another toward a common purpose.
“PCRP is about building resilience with communities, not simply for communities, and doing so through genuine partnership among government, development partners, local governments, and the people we serve,” Gascon said.
The mission’s findings and agreements will guide the succeeding implementation of PCRP as DSWD KALAHI-CIDSS and its partners continue efforts to strengthen community resilience across the Cordillera.
By Yvonne Gracious T. Elegado, Project Development Officer III
