Motherhood is a profound and rewarding journey that requires love, dedication, and selflessness. It involves nurturing, guiding, and shaping the lives of their children. In Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS), the essence of being a mother extends beyond the family and encompasses active involvement in the community.

Since 2010, more than 36,500 community volunteers of the KALAHI-CIDSS program in the MIMAROPA Region are mothers. To celebrate them, this story features how the community-driven development (CDD) approach nurtures and supports communities, much like a mother’s love.

OVERCOMING CHALLENGES WITH MOTHERLY DETERMINATION
Like a mother’s unconditional love, CDD is committed to the well-being of the community, working tirelessly to create a brighter future for all. It fosters a sense of community pride and ownership, encouraging individuals to take responsibility for their own development and the development of their neighbors.

Catalyst for progress
“Naalala ko talaga noon na bago pa lang ako dito wala talaga ako makitang building. Nakita ko na ang Barangay Tubigon ay malaking barangay pero walang dumadating na projects,” Suzette Llorca, a dedicated community volunteer from Ferrol, Romblon, vividly recalls the lack of progress in their barangay when she first arrived.

Driven by her eagerness for change as a leader of the community volunteers also known as Barangay Development Council-Technical Working Group (BDC-TWG) Chairperson, she faced the challenge head-on and dedicated several days to crafting a project proposal for KALAHI-CIDSS. Despite the difficulties she encountered along the way, witnessing the project come to life and its impact on people’s lives brought her immense satisfaction. “Ang mabigyan ng solusyon ang problema sa Barangay ay isang napakalaking achievement,” she said.

As a hands-on volunteer and devoted mother, Suzette’s determination led her to multitask between household chores and bringing her child to the project site, ensuring close monitoring of the KALAHI-CIDSS project’s progress.

“Marami akong naging karanasan na kakulangan, hirap at pagsubok sa buhay dahil ako ay isang babae, lalo na sa pagpapatupad ng proyekto at ang magkaroon ng katuparan na mabuo ito,” she shared. Still, she firmly believes that men and women are equal. It is the superpowers of a mother that allow her to overcome challenges and find ways to address them. “Pero ang mga pagsubok na naranasan ko lalo na sa pagiging babae at ina ay ginagawa kong inspirasyon para manatiling magsilbi sa barangay.”

Similarly, a mother of two from San Andres, Romblon, highlights the efficient utilization of government funds for their intended purpose when KALAHI-CIDSS arrived in their community. Despite her husband’s suggestion to move to Metro Manila, she decided to stay in their community when offered to be the Barangay Treasurer.

She stated, “At least ngayon unti-unti na nagagamit ang pera kung para saan dapat [talaga] doon nakalaan.” She understands that real change takes time and requires dedication, hard work, and sacrifices. Through the CDD process, the participation of the local community members in the construction of 26 linear meter slope protection with a retaining wall has made her advocacy come into reality–what’s for the community should be utilized and be used for them. Her own little way of sacrifice has created a big change in the community.

Amplifying community voices
Jennifer Bombase, a single mother who juggles her responsibilities at work and at home caring for a person with a disability, shares an almost similar story. When KALAHI-CIDSS arrived in their community to address the crisis caused by the pandemic, it brought unity among constituents and citizens, advancing development.

From the initial Participatory Situational Analysis (PSA) where local community members identify the problems they face, to the formulation of the community volunteer organization in partnership with the Barangay Councils under the leadership of the Barangay Chairperson, the entire community worked hard. As a result, they were granted subprojects by KALAHI-CIDSS that would alleviate the poverty in their community.

“Naapektuhan man ang pagkonti o pagbawas ng populasyon dulot ng pandemya ngunit hindi ito magsisilbing balakid sa pagpupursigi ng mga community volunteers ng aming barangay sa pagbabalikat ng suliranin na darating pa sa hinaharap,” she said.

In addition, the capability building activities provided by the KALAHI-CIDSS uplift the spirit of local community members and unleash their best selves. “Sobrang naempower ako na kahit pala ako babae at isang ina ay naging malakas ang loob ko na humarap, makilahok at sumagot sa mga problema ng barangay at syempre magbigay din ng solusyon dito,” May G. Condes, a community volunteer from Brgy. Lawan, Alcantara, Romblon testified.

May is proud to see that their hard work from writing the project proposals and submitting numerous documents has yielded results. “Never akong tatanggi sa KALAHI-CIDSS bilang volunteer. Kung sila [ay] naniniwala na kaya ko, dapat mas higit ako[ng maniwala na] kaya ko. Kayang-kaya ko!”, she reiterated.

THE POWER OF OPEN COMMUNICATION AND COLLABORATION
CDD, like a caring mother, emphasizes open communication and collaboration, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued in the decision-making process.

Strengthening Community Dynamics

Arlene Aceveda Malabriga, a community volunteer in Brgy. Poblacion, Baco, Oriental Mindoro since 2014, shares her perspective on the principle of participation within CDD. She believes that the voices of the people are vital in realizing the dreams of a barangay. Witnessing the completion of a project gives her a sense of fulfillment and makes her proud to be part of the community.

She also asserts that her transformative leadership style, which involves providing clear instruction, giving motivating words and listening to her constituents’ suggestions, is also applied within her family. She was able to manage her household and shape her children. “Ang pagkakaroon ko ng maraming anak ay naging daan din upang maging magaan at madaling matapos ang mga gawain, maging sa paggawa ko ng kakanin, may kanya-kanyang toka na kami ng mga anak ko. Hindi kami nahihirapan sa pagtawid sa pang araw-araw na buhay at sa pagkamit ng aming pangarap,” she said.

In Santa Fe, Romblon, Glenda B. Dorado, a Brgy. Agmanic Kagawad, also shared her positive experience with KALAHI-CIDSS, highlighting that through the CDD process, they have successfully implemented five (5) projects that greatly benefit their population of 2,189 residents. Just as she encourages her children to be open with each other, the program cultivates an environment where community members can freely express their opinions and collaborate effectively. This shared value of openness and participation not only strengthens family dynamics but also drives the progress of the entire community. 

Passionate Service, Inspire Participation
Another mother and community volunteer from Brgy. Poblacion, Bansud, Oriental Mindoro is Janice H. Marquez. Riding the waves of grief and agony by the demise of her husband in a motorcycle accident in 2022 ignites her relentless passion for serving the community.

“Ang pinaka-motibasyon ko ay ang kaisipan na gusto kong patunayan sa sarili ko na mas kaya ko pa. Nabubuhay tayo hindi lang mula sa mga tinatanggap natin bagkus ay sa mas kaya pa nating ibigay,” Janice added.

Despite being a single mother to her three (3) kids, she always finds time to fulfill her participation in KALAHI-CIDSS. Serving the community is her passion and she finds it very rewarding whenever a project is completed for the benefit of the community. Since 2014, Janice has been involved in different KALAHI-CIDSS sub-projects such as Barangay Access Road, Day Care Center, and two (2) Elementary School buildings.

In addition, Aurora R. Rotoni, 62 years old from Brgy. Otod, San Fernando, Romblon, also had difficulty being a volunteer in KALAHI-CIDSS. She takes care of her bedridden husband, and balancing her time

among her family, barangay and volunteering obligations is a challenge. But, her desire and passion to help and contribute to the development of their barangay prevailed.

“Gusto kong ipakita sa komunidad ang kahalagahan ng pakikilahok ng mga kababaihan at nanay na tulad ko pagdating sa pagpaplano, tamang pag-gamit ng pondo at implementasyon ng proyekto at patunayan sa kanila na hindi hadlang ang pagiging isang nanay na marami ang obligasyon para mas lalo pang mapa-unlad ang aming sarili,” she said.

Because of the active participation of their barangay in the KALAHI-CIDSS program, they have successfully implemented and benefited from numerous projects up to the present.

EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES THROUGH CDD
Just as a mother provides guidance and support to her children, CDD provides communities with the knowledge and skills needed to identify their own problems and develop solutions tailored to their unique needs. This transformative process relies on the immense bayanihan spirit, where community volunteers generously share their resources, time, talents, and skills to create a positive impact.

Balancing multiple roles One remarkable example of a mother who has taken on multiple roles within her community is Hon. Chairperson Melania G. Alojado. Besides being a mother, she holds the positions of Barangay Chairperson and Liga ng mga Barangay President in Santa Fe, Romblon. Balancing these responsibilities can be overwhelming, but thanks to the support of KALAHI-CIDSS through the CDD process, Hon. Alojado has found immense assistance.

“Dahil po dito sa KALAHI-CIDSS ay nabigyan ko po ng pagkakataon ang aking sarili na magbigay-tiwala sa aking mga nasasakupan lalo na sa mga Community Volunteers na sila po ang mangasiwa ng mga proyekto dito po sa aming barangay,” Hon. Alojado expressed gratefully.

This level of trust from the local government unit resonates with Bebilyn J. Solano, a mother of three children and an active community volunteer from Brgy. Agmanic, Santa Fe, Romblon.

From being a simple homemaker, Bebilyn’s confidence has blossomed, and her shyness in interacting with fellow volunteers and barangay officials has disappeared, all thanks to the transformative impact of KALAHI-CIDSS. The program capacitated and taught her the significance of collaboration and active participation in decision-making processes.

“Sa proseso ng CDD kailangan lahat ay may maayos na konsultasyon sa mga tao kahit sa simula pa lang ng pagpaplano, sa panahon ng implementasyon [at] hanggang matapos ang proyekto,” she emphasized.

Unleashing Potential
Empowerment does not only come from the local government but also from the community. In Brgy. Madalag, Alcantara, Romblon, Chona Palaran was elected by her community to lead the implementation of KALAHI-CIDSS in their barangay. Although the CDD process and the role are new to her, the capacity-building activities of the program really helped her to do her duty.

“Sa bawat pagpupulong, seminar o training ay patuloy akong natututo, nag go-grow at nailalabas ko din ang aking saloobin o opinion at nasasabi ko sa aking sarili, mayroon pa pala akong kakayahan kahit sa edad o tanda kong ito,” she reflects.

Aside from the local community members, and barangay officials, her husband and five (5) children fully support her because they see how much she enjoys being a volunteer in KALAHI-CIDSS. They are her motivation to continue, that even if she is a mother and considers herself old, she can have a meaningful contribution to the development of their community. Age would not hinder one’s ability to actively participate and make a difference.

“Be proud na tayo ay naging bahagi ng pisikal na pagbabago ng ating barangay. Maging masaya tayo at may mga ka-barangay na nakikinabang sa [KALAHI-CIDSS] sub-project na sama-sama nating inupuan,” she said.

In conclusion, the Community-Driven Development (CDD) process of KALAHI-CIDSS can be personified as a nurturing and supportive mother who equips communities with the tools and resources they need to thrive.

Let us remember that every day is a day to celebrate and appreciate the incredible love, dedication, and selflessness of mothers. May we always cherish and value the profound impact of mothers in our lives, not only on Mother’s Day but every single day.


Contributors:
– Amor M. Ibabao, Area Coordinator KKB-BP2P, San Fernando, Romblon
– Betsie Macatubal, Area Coordinator, Santa Fe, Romblon
– Grace Lachica, Area Coordinator, Baco, Oriental Mindoro
– Jessa V. Sarayan, Area Coordinator, Brooke’s Point
– Mark John Pinawen, Community Empowerment Facilitator, Bansud, Oriental Mindoro
– Mechelle dela Torre, Area Coordinator, Calatrava, Romblon
– Melanie M. Delos Santos, Municipal Financial Analyst, San Andres, Romblon
– Renato V. Mandrique, Jr, Area Coordinator, Alcantara, Romblon
– Ronaldo M. Lopos, Area Coordinator, Bansud, Oriental Mindoro