DSWD launches system imposing "transparency"

CEBU, Philippines - An integrated data management system was recently launched by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to help track government infrastructure projects in the country.

The Project Information Management System (PIMS) enables the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) to upload, access, and analyze vital information in their system. 

"Aside from data storage, the system can also be used for map production, geo-tagging application, and spatial analysis. It also has web and Short Message Service (SMS) applications, so it will be easier and much faster way for our project staff, especially the ones assigned in the field, to relay needed information," DSWD Assistant Regional Director for Operations Nemia Antipala explained.

Kalahi-CIDSS, identifies the primary needs and implement projects of the poorest communities in the country and comes up with ways to respond to their problems through projects like school buildings, day care centers, and livelihood trainings, among others.

One feature of the database system is the "geo-tagging", which may be used to track the progress and status of even small infrastructure projects in areas of concern.

The DSWD stressed that through this, "transparency" from the government would be practiced.

Kalahi-CIDSS utilizes community-driven development (CDD) strategies to develop the capacities of residents and local government units of the poorest municipalities in the country so they will be able to lift their communities from poverty.

After 10 years of CDD implementation, Kalahi-CIDSS is now preparing to scale up its operations into the National Community-Driven Development Program (NCDDP), which will cover more poor municipalities all over the country this year.

In the Central Visayas, the NCDDP will cover 104 municipalities with poverty incidence rates greater than 26.5 percent based on the 2009 small areas estimates (SAE) data from the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB). — (FREEMAN)