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Volunteer sees hope in Kalahi-CIDSS

Koronadal City (31 January 2006) -- "Our trust in the government system is being restored because of KALAHI-CIDSS", claimed Ronamae Robin, a volunteer of KALAHI-CIDSS project of Barangay San Miguel, Arakan, Cotabato.

KALAHI-CIDSS formally turned over on December 2005, a complete Overflow Bridge for the river that connects Sitio Kulafo to the nearby villages. Residents for decades were used crossing the river to go to neighboring sitios. There were succeeding tragedies that also claimed lives of the natives.

"When our sub-project was included by the KALAHI-CIDSS in its area of coverage, we were strengthened and unity arises among us", said Ronamae.

People now in the community can bring their agricultural products directly to the market. Passenger vehicles are now plying back and forth into the village.

Farming and Fishing is its major source of livelihood. Local Farmers have the difficulty to transport their agricultural products. Even students could not go to school because the river sometimes is impassable.

"Today, Sitio Kulafo is very much different. People are thankful of the project provided by the World Bank" Robin added.

"During the project's first cycle, everyone participated but failed of their expectation. It was not included in the list of prioritized sub-projects. But, It did not stop there, Instead, we make every effort so our sub-project, an overflow bridge, will be prioritized, and we were grateful, it was included by the second cycle", she added.

"We know and we are now exercising our rights. We developed self-confidence and ability to write a simple message in any language or dialects", revealed Robin.
"Through the project, Robin testified that children were encouraged by their parents to go to school. Parents are now aware how importance education is.

"As a community volunteer, I discovered different resources available in our locality, wisely and efficiently utilized these resources during our sub-project implementation stage.
In 1960's, a 12 year old Palao Mandiala remembers the Anikal couple who went fishing venture and never came home. Heavy rains that caused the Kulafo River to overflow, drowned then including Anikal's five children who went with them and none of the bodies were recovered.
Now, 56 year old Mandiala, clad in their traditional outfit, said the incident is still lingering in his mind. "My parents warned the couple to stay home because its dangerous crossing the river even staying along the river banks," he added. (DSWD-KALAHI/MSOC-PIA 12)

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