“The white elephant in the room.”
This was how Maria Pilar Ramos described the distrust and confusion felt by the people of Mulanay when Kalahi-CIDSS (Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services) first came to Mulanay almost a decade ago. Their doubts and fears were justified, as they have heard many empty promises in the past, and witnessed many government projects going to waste. As what some residents have said, “Katulad din iyan ng iba, pampalubag-loob ng gubyerno. Niloloko lang tayo niyan ”
It comes as a surprise that the cynicism of the people would later change to one of trust in government and a new sense of energy to devote their time to community activities. Surprising still that their municipal mayor, Prudencio “Den” Maxino, who was among the first “doubters” of Kalahi-CIDSS, would eventually become the biggest advocate of community-driven development (CDD). Yet this is exactly what happened to this idyllic town, which made its own mark in the history of the CDD approach in the country.
From confusion to full support
“Confusing, tedious, and overwhelming”. These were some of the adjectives used by the Mulanay residents when the objectives and processes of Kalahi-CIDSS were introduced to them. However, thanks to the perseverance of the volunteers who informed them of what the Project was about, they slowly began to see the value of the program.
As shared by Captain Amado Mendoza of Brgy. Bagupaye, “Mahirap makakuha ng volunteer nung simula. Kailangan ko pang ipaliwanag na ang Kalahi hindi lang tungkol sa mapapala nila sa ngayon kundi para rin sa kinabukasan nila ”
“Walang palakasan”system and the Bayanihan way
What ultimately convinced the residents of Mulanay that Kalahi-CIDSS was the real deal was seeing for themselves how the system worked. Dubbing the process as a “Walang Palakasan System”, the people saw for themselves just how different it was. “I saw that people are actively involved in the decision-making process and implementation, and the funds were used appropriately,” said one volunteer.
As one barangay captain pointed out, “Kaya namin gusto ang Kalahi kasi walang nasasayang na pera dito at lahat ay napag-uusapan. Walang napupunta sa bulsa ng Mayor, ng Kapitan, at mga volunteer.Nagbibigay pa nga para sa pagkain at iba pang gastusin para sa proyekto. Masaya dahil nakikita na ang mga ginawa namin ay nakikinabang ang mga mamamayan.”
Arnel Padolina, one of the community volunteers, shared, “Nakikita namin kung saan napupunta ang pera ng project dahil kami ang namamahala nito natitiyak namin na ito ay nagagamit ayon sa dapat pagkagastusan ”
Another thing that the residents liked about Kalahi-CIDSS is the fact that they were instructed on how to perform their respective roles in the Project. “Binigyan kami ng training at seminar para matutunan naming kung paano ang sistema ng Kalahi ,” explained Capt. Mendoza.
The road to progress, however, was not without its share of difficulties. Not only did the project demand that the people learn how to plan, manage their funds, construct their projects, it also asked much of their time. “Iyong pamilya ko nagrereklamo na dahil sa dami ng oras na binubuhos ko para sa Kalahi ,” shared Lota S. Ruby, who served as the Barangay Sub-Project Management Committees (BSPMC) Chairperson of Poblacion 3. Alex Comia said, “Dahil ako ay volunteer lamang, mahirap para sa pamilyadong tao tulad ko na magtrabaho na walang aasahang sweldo na matatanggap. Ginawa ko na lang araw ang gabi para lang magkasahod ako para mabuhay ang pamilya ko habang nag-vo-volunteer ako sa Kalahi ”
In spite of these difficulties, they still pushed on with the project, as they saw its value. “Matagal man yong proseso ng pag-aaral at paghahanda, pero sulit rin ang trabaho sa dulo ,” said Capt. Mendoza. Ruby shared that her family also supported her involvement with Kalahi after they realized just how much the people would be able to benefit thanks to her efforts.
Captain Mendoza dubbed the participation of the residents of Mulanay in Kalahi-CIDSS as the “Bayanihan” way, referring to the Filipino custom of villagers lending support in order to help someone from their community. As Ruby described her community’s implementation of a flood control project, “Iyong project naming kinakailangan ng taong may karanasan sa pag-putol, welding, pag-assemble ng bakal para gumawa nung 300 meters na kanal, pero iyong mga volunteer naming ginagawa ang makakaya nila (para matapos). May iba na nag-pintura, may iba na nag-linis, at may iba na naghanda ng mga pagkain. Makakagawa tayo ng malalaki at maayos na proyekto kapag tayo ay mag-alay ng kaya natin sa tao . Some do the painting while others do the cleaning and snacks preparation. We can accomplish bigger and better things if we unselfishly contribute what we can.]”
A large portion of the change of heart of the Mulanay residents was due to their mayor. Unlike other local government officers from other areas, Den Maxino, who was the Mulanay mayor from 2001 to 2010, provided full support for the project, seeing its potential in changing the lives of his constituents. As shared by Marissa Cortez, who worked as a Kalahi-CIDSS project coordinator and later on as a Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator, “Na-inspire ako sa sinabi ni Mayor Den na susuportahan niya ang Kalahi-CIDSS. Pinakita niya sa amin na welcome ang programang ito sa Mulanay. Kaya sobrang naging matagumpay ang Kalahi sa amin ay dahil kay Mayor ” This sentiment was echoed by Ramos, who said, “Mayor Den’s enthusiasm inspired the municipal inter-agency committee (MIAC) to support him .”
Mayor Den, on the other hand, attributed the project’s success to the people. “Ang nakakatuwa sa Kalahi, maaga na ako pumapasok ay nauuna pa sa akin dumating sa opisina ang staff. Alam naman ninyo na ako ay gabing umuwi, pero nahuhuli pa rin sila sa akin umuwi. ”
Advocating CDD
The personal experiences of Mayor Den and the residents of Mulanay have made them strong advocates for the CDD approach in local governance. As stated by Mayor Den, “It is high time that the Filipinos, through its leaders, recognize that there is a program that works to combat Graft and Corruption, the dreaded cancer of society, through the Kalahi-CIDSS system of governance.” ###
