PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office MIMAROPA and the Provincial Government of Palawan formally signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on May 28, 2026, at the Provincial Capitol to implement the KALAHI-CIDSS Philippine Community Resilience Project (PCRP) in the province.

The agreement signifies a strengthened partnership between DSWD and the Provincial Government aimed at enhancing the resilience of communities against disasters, climate-related risks, and other socio-economic challenges. The ceremonial signing was led by DSWD MIMAROPA Regional Director Benchie B. Gonzales and Palawan Governor Amy Roa-Alvarez, underscoring the shared commitment of both institutions to advancing community-driven and sustainable development initiatives across the province.

Under the KALAHI-CIDSS PCRP, communities are empowered to identify, prioritize, and implement development projects that directly address their most pressing needs through the Community-Driven Development (CDD) approach. The program seeks to strengthen local capacities and promote community participation in decision-making, ensuring that interventions are responsive, inclusive, and sustainable.

Seven (7) selected municipalities in Palawan will benefit from the program through substantial municipal grant allocations. Municipalities classified under the 1st to 3rd income classes will receive Municipal Grant Allocations amounting to Fifty Million Pesos (Php50,000,000.00) each. Meanwhile, municipalities classified under the 4th to 6th income classes will receive Philippine Community Resilience Project grants amounting to Seventy Million Pesos (Php70,000,000.00) each. These funds will support the implementation of community-prioritized subprojects that contribute to disaster preparedness, climate resilience, improved access to basic services, and local economic development.

In his message, Regional Director Gonzales highlighted the significance of the partnership in ensuring the successful implementation of the program.

“Through this Memorandum of Agreement, we are fusing our resources, our expertise, and our shared vision. DSWD provides the framework and funding, but the Provincial Government provides the local heart, soul, and leadership to make this project breathe and succeed,” Gonzales said.

Governor Amy Roa-Alvarez likewise expressed her full support for the initiative and conveyed her appreciation to DSWD for bringing the program to Palawan. She emphasized that the project and its accompanying financial resources will play a crucial role in improving the quality of life of Palaweños while strengthening the capacity of communities to withstand natural and economic challenges.

With the agreement now in place, a series of municipal orientations, consultations, and planning activities are expected to commence in the coming weeks. These activities will prepare participating municipalities and communities for the implementation of their respective community-driven subprojects and ensure meaningful participation of residents throughout the project cycle.

The KALAHI-CIDSS Philippine Community Resilience Project remains one of the government’s key strategies in promoting participatory governance and building resilient communities by empowering citizens to become active partners in local development and disaster risk reduction efforts.