RDC-CAR forms regional bodies for DSWD resilience project in Cordillera

BAGUIO CITY — The Regional Development Council in the Cordillera Administrative Region (RDC-CAR) has approved the creation of two regional bodies to oversee the implementation of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Panahon ng Pagkilos: Philippine Community Resilience Project in the region, according to a DSWD statement.

The council approved the establishment of the Regional Steering Committee (RSC) and the Regional Steering Committee-Technical Working Group (RSC-TWG) through Resolution No. 67, Series of 2026, during its meeting on June 11 in Baguio City, the DSWD said.

The agency said the two bodies will provide policy direction, inter-agency coordination and technical support for the rollout of the project in the Cordillera region.

Panahon ng Pagkilos is the latest implementation modality under DSWD’s Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) program.

The initiative adopts a community-driven development approach aimed at helping vulnerable communities prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters and climate-related risks while expanding access to climate-resilient and disaster-responsive community investments.

Under the resolution, the DSWD-Cordillera regional director will chair the Regional Steering Committee, while the regional director of the Department of the Interior and Local Government will serve as co-chairperson.

The committee will also include senior regional officials from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Health, National Anti-Poverty Commission, Department of Agriculture, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, Department of Economy, Planning, and Development, Department of Finance, Office of Civil Defense, Department of Science and Technology, and representatives from civil society organizations.

The Department of Education, Department of Agrarian Reform, Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, Commission on Audit, Department of Budget and Management, and Department of Public Works and Highways will participate as ex-officio members.

The technical working group will be composed of designated technical representatives from DSWD, DILG, NAPC, NCIP, DENR and DA.

DSWD Field Office-CAR will serve as lead agency and secretariat, with members required to hold at least division chief-level positions or equivalent, according to the resolution.

The DSWD said the Regional Social Development Committee endorsed the creation of the two bodies through Resolution No. 03, Series of 2026, before the proposal was elevated to the RDC-CAR for approval.

The agency also said barangay assemblies are now underway in 135 target barangays across Abra, Apayao, Benguet and Mountain Province following the completion of municipal orientations, marking the operational rollout of Panahon ng Pagkilos in the Cordillera Administrative Region.