Lack of Skills Prevent LGUs from Taking over CIDSS

Are the LGUs not ready or is it pure hesitation that keeps the Cordillera local government units from taking over the responsibilities of continuing the Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (CIDSS)?

This question arose as Ifugao has started replicating the program areas with 10 CIDSS in 10 municipalities.  All the other five provinces, according to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-CAR), have not registered any replication even if the thrust of the program at the start of the year was for the LGUs or the community to to take over the responsibility for the program functions from the national government.

This, according to the DSWD, can be attributed to the lack of management skills by the LGUs and communities; thus, the replication has not yet moved forward as desired.

Alvin Tanicala, Information Officer for CIDSS, said the DSWD is now conducting regular consultations with the communities and that if their findings ask for it, they will have to conduct seminars, workshops, or trainings that make them ready for the eventual turn over of the management of the programs.

"The main issues here is the readiness of the CIDSS structures", he said.

With the thrust to turn over the program to the community, the DSWD shall continue their support through technical assistance.  The LGUs will, however, have to be responsible for the access to basic social services. 

JB Belinan, Zigzag Weekly, 9.3.2000

For More Information Contact:

CIDSS-CAR
40 North Drive, Baguio City
Tel: (063) 074-442-8619
FAX: (063) 074-442-7917
E-mail: [email protected]