Mulanay: A model for change

Manila, Philippines -  The white elephant in the room.

This was how Maria Pilar Ramos described the distrust and confusion the people felt when Kalahi-CIDSS (Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-and Integrated Delivery of Social Services) first came to Mulanay in Quezon province almost a decade ago.

Their doubts and fears were justified, as they had heard many empty promises in the past, and witnessed many government projects going to waste. Some residents said it was just like the other projects government used to “trick us.”

The cynicism of the people later changed to one of trust in government and a new sense of energy for community activities. Mulanay Mayor Prudencio “Den” Maxino, who was among the first “doubters” of Kalahi-CIDSS, eventually became the biggest advocate of community-driven development (CDD).

“Confusing, tedious, and overwhelming were some of the adjectives used by the Mulanay residents when the objectives and processes of Kalahi-CIDSS were introduced to them. But the perseverance of the volunteers won them over.

Brgy. Bagupaye captain Amado Mendoza said it was initially hard to get volunteers, but he convinced residents it was an investment in their future. 

What convinced the residents of Mulanay was seeing for themselves how the system worked. “Involved in the decision-making process and implementation, and the funds were used appropriately,” said one volunteer.

One barangay captain noted that no money was wasted, and everything was out in the open. “The funds don’t land in the pockets of the mayor, the barangay captain, or the volunteers. In fact, they are actually the ones who provide food and funds for other expenses for the project. We can actually see the people benefiting from our efforts.”

Arnel Padolina, one of the community volunteers, shared, “We actually see where the money is going because we fre the ones who are managing the funds, so we can ensure that the funds go where these are needed.”

The residents were given training and seminars so each knew how to perform his or her role in the project, which included construction of a schoolhouse, flood control project and a pathway. 

The road to progress, however, was not without its share of difficulties. Not only did the project demand that the people learn how to plan, manage their funds, construct their projects, it also demanded much of their time. Ruby, who served as the Barangay Sub-Project Management Committees chair of Poblacion 3, shared that her family “complained about how Kalahi-CIDSS consumed most of my time.”

Alex Comia said, “As a Kalahi-CIDSS volunteer, it is a challenge for a family man like me to work without wages. I turned my nights into days to earn a living for my family while serving as a volunteer in order to make ends meet.” 

In spite of these difficulties, they still pushed on with the project, as they saw its value. “The process of learning and preparations took much of our time, but it was worth it,”said Mendoza. Ruby shared that her family also supported her involvement with Kalahi after they realized just how much the people would benefit, thanks to her efforts.

Captain Mendoza described the participation of the residents of Mulanay in Kalahi-CIDSS as the bayanihan way. Ruby described her community’s implementation of a flood control project, “Our project required skilled men to cut, weld, and assemble heavy steel frames to cover a 300-meter long flood control canal, but our unskilled men and women volunteers shared what they could do (to finish the project). Some do the painting while others do the cleaning and snacks preparation. We can accomplish bigger and better things if we unselfishly contribute what we can.”

Leading the commitment to Kalahi-CIDSS was Den Maxino, Mulanay mayor from 2001 to 2010, who was initially suspicious but eventually realized its potential in changing the lives of his constituents.

Den, on the other hand, attributed the project’s success to the people.   “What I like about Kalahi is that even if I go to work early, the staff still gets there before me. You know just how late I stay in the office, but they stay longer than I do. ”

The experiences of the residents of Mulanay have made them strong advocates for the community-driven development approach in local governance. As Mayor Den said, “It is high time that the Filipinos, through their leaders, recognize that there is a program that works to combat graft and corruption, the dreaded cancer of society, through the Kalahi-CIDSS system of governance.”