Fourteen municipalities in the Negros Island Region have been allocated PHP760 million for the implementation of the three-year Panahon ng Pagkilos: Philippine Community Resilience Program.
The regional launch was held at SMX Convention Center and led by National Program Manager Bernadette Mapue-Joaquin and DSWD-NIR Regional Director Arwin Razo.
Panahon ng Pagkilos builds on the legacy of KALAHI-CIDSS, focusing on climate-resilient and community-driven development.
Mapue-Joaquin said the program, along with Kapangyarihan at Kaunlaran sa Barangay (KKB), aims to create communities that are prepared, adaptive, and resilient to disasters.
The first batch of grantees, covering 2026–2028, includes Basay, Jimalalud, Siaton, La Libertad, Vallehermoso, Santa Catalina, and Tayasan.
The second batch, for 2027–2029, includes Don Salvador Benedicto, Hinoba-an, Cauayan, Calatrava, Bindoy, Mabinay, and Pamplona.
First- to third-class municipalities will provide local counterpart contributions of PHP10 million per project, while fourth- to sixth-class municipalities will contribute PHP14 million.
The 14 towns were selected based on high poverty incidence, exposure to environmental hazards, and significant indigenous populations.
Local leaders signed memoranda of agreement to implement PCRP and KKB programs in their respective municipalities.
Razo emphasized that placing communities at the center ensures that programs are sustainable, responsive, and promote ownership and accountability at the grassroots level.