Local, everyday heroes of the Ilocos Region participated in the first ever National Community Volunteers’ Congress dubbed as Bukluran: Sama-samang Lakas ng Mamamayan in Quezon City. The biggest gathering of community volunteers from all over the nation was hosted by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through its Community-Driven Development (CDD) program-the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services National Community-Driven Development Program (Kalahi CIDSS-NCDDP).

The Bukluran, meaning “to unite,” was a two-day event highlighting the gains of CDD in the municipalities covered by DSWD Kalahi-CIDSS. The community volunteers were given the opportunity to discuss their learnings and experiences in the implementation of the Program in their respective localities through various collaboration activities and focus group discussions.

 

The National CV Congress focused on intensifying the advocacy for CDD adoption in implementing local programs and projects. The DSWD Kalahi-CIDSS aspires to plant CDD in poor and disaster-stricken communities to empower them to work for their own development.

The Ilocos Region was represented by Mayor Ferdinand Tumbaga of Bagulin, La Union, together with community volunteers and Regional BAYANi Ka Winners Mr. Jun Balas, Ms. Remedios Candid, Ms. Crestie Navida, Mr. Aniceto Esteban, Mr. George Danglipen, Mr. Fredo Domine, and Mr. Felix Dengaey in the said Congress.

The Bukluran concluded with the National BAYANi Ka Awarding Ceremonies to recognize community volunteers, partner Local Government Units, and other stakeholders who put their communities first before themselves. (by Helen Veryan C. Valdez, Social Marketing Officer, Kalahi-CIDSS)