Metamorphosis_Kalahi-CIDSS Compendium 2015

are municipal or barangay projects, we are not ashamed to ask or to take part, because we
learned the right process and we already know.),” Gloria shared as she recollect how the
program has helped their town.
Passion for Development
Mayor Baroña also took an active part in the program implementation, especially in the
delivery of their local cash counterpart (LCC). Probably, DSWD has already gained Bucay’s
trust for its programs and services. The MLGU now annually allocates budget for their LCC
to Kalahi-CIDSS, Bottoms-up Budgeting (BUB), and other DSWD programs. Barangay
Captains are also encouraged to continuously support DSWD programs and services by
allocating counterpart from their barangay budget.
With Kalahi-CIDSS’ principles on participatory, transparency, and accountability, the
MLGU has served as the role model to the BLGUs in becoming a participatory, transparent,
and accountable community. “Monthly meetings are held wherein every department at the
municipal hall will do an updating on their monthly accomplishments, budget reports, or
if we have issues and concerns that needs to be addressed. We also hold weekly executive
meeting of all community volunteer,” Mayor Baroña shared. He even joins Barangay
Assemblies – not to intervene, but to observe.
To others, Abra may have been known for its political turmoil or even for the various political
killings. But, every Abrenian would wish for these perceptions to change. Every Abrenian
would be willing to prove that there will always be room for change, for development. As
Gloria continues to advocate Kalahi-CIDSS and the CDD process, her heart for a better
Abra continues to wish for something more. “Malaking pagbabago po ang nangyari sa Bucay
dahil sa Kalahi-CIDSS. Kung lahat po sa gobyerno ay susundin ang proseso ng Kalahi-CIDSS,
siguro po, doon lamang po talaga natin masasabi na wala nang korupsyon. Hindi lang dito sa
Bucay, hindi lang dito sa Abra, hindi lang sa Cordillera, kundi sa buong Pilipinas.” (Kalahi-
CIDSS made a very big impact to Bucay. If everyone in the government will follow the
Kalahi-CIDSS process, maybe, that will be the time we can say that corruption no longer
exists. Not only here in Bucay, not only here in Abra, not only in the Cordillera, but in the
Philippines).
Mayor Baroña is now one of Kalahi-CIDSS’ champion for improved local governance. He
continues to support, and shares to fellow Cordilleran politicians his experiences and gains
from the program and what Kalahi-CIDSS has done to Bucay, Abra. “Even without Kalahi-
CIDSS, let’s continue to do the process. For years, it did something good to Bucay, this time,
it’s our part to do something better.”//
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