Community refers to a group of people connected through social

relationships, shared views, and collective activities. Created by factors like

culture, religion, interests, or goals, communities offer support, a sense of
belonging, and collaboration for positive change (MacQueen et al., 2001)

Community development is a complex and interdisciplinary field that

encompasses physical, social, cultural, economic, political, and
environmental factors. It has evolved from a focus on inclusivity to a
recognized area of study. It involves engaging with stakeholders like
residents, businesses, and government agencies to create sustainable
solutions and improve the quality of life in marginalized communities.
Understanding these foundations is crucial for achieving objectives and goal
(Phillips & Pittman, 2008).

Community Development Goals in the Philippines

• Developing self-government in neighborhoods or communities.

• Boosting productivity and income in rural areas through self-help projects.
• Supporting road construction through self-help efforts.
• Offering government services within the community.
• Enhancing coordination of government services across all administration
levels.
• Enhancing self-help rural facilities for education, water supply, irrigation,
health, sanitation, housing, and recreation.
• Prioritizing and enhancing educational and vocational opportunities.
• Boosting citizen awareness and engagement regarding law enforcement.
• Boosting citizen morale and involvement in the country’s economic
activities.

Philippines' Poverty and Inequality Issues

• Total population: 101 million, 26.3% experiencing lasting poverty in 2011-2016.
• Late-full poverty incidence: 3.6% difference from 2012-2015.
• DSWD's goal: reduce poverty by at least 18%.
• Over 26 million people in poverty, 12 million struggling with food.
• Community development and extension programs crucial for poverty reduction.

Outcomes of Community Development

• Enhances skills, knowledge, empowerment, and self-efficacy.

• Promotes social inclusion and stronger community connection.
• Fosters confidence and leadership growth.
• Leads to long-term outcomes like stronger, cohesive groups, social capital
changes, civic engagement, social cohesion, community safety, and improved
health.
Who is capable of engaging in community development?
• Practice based on theoretical framework.
• Individuals should understand theories, practices, and principles.
• Fostering effective, respectful relationships with communities is crucial.
• Support from knowledgeable individuals is essential.
• Cultivating connections may outweigh formal qualifications.
What does a community development practitioner do?
• Provides resources and empowers community.
• Assists individuals with essential information.
• Identifies challenges and strategizes solutions.
• Exchanges local data, strategies, and programs.
• Engages with local networks and leaders.
• Plans, implements, and assesses projects and programs.
• Emphasizes facilitation, education, skill-building, and resource provision.

Community Based Work vs Community Development

The KALAHI-CIDSS Project in the Philippines aims to reduce poverty and

empower communities through participatory decision-making. Led by the
Department of Social Welfare and Development, the project provides services like
cash grants, livelihood support, and social pensions for marginalized groups.
However, community-based programs may not address systemic issues
contributing to poverty and may overlook the need for broader policy changes.
Community development can be pursued by individuals or groups within the
community or with professional assistance.

Table 1: Comparing community-based with community development work

Community-based work Community Development Work

A challenge is identified by Community groups recognize significant

organizations and experts who create concerns and challenges and develop
plans to address it and then engage and execute strategies to address their
community members in these plans. concerns and resolve their issues.
The program's ongoing responsibility
could be transferred to members of the
Characteristics
community and local groups. • Relationships between organizations
and community members are continually
Characteristics: adjusted.
• The community first identifies the
• The agency holds the authority to problem or issue, then articulates it in a
make decisions. manner that promotes the collective
• The agency defines the problem or interests of both the community and the
issue. agency.
• There are set deadlines. • The duration of the work is extended.
• The goal is to enhance the abilities of
community members.
• The intended long-term results often
involve transformation at the local or
community scale.

Source: Adapted from Labonte (2019)

Community Development Creates Job

• Aims to create sustainable jobs for community growth.

• Involves education, training, SMEs support, and infrastructural development.
• Addresses unemployment issues by addressing skills shortages, poor resource
access, and inadequate infrastructure.
• Provides vocational training, workshops, and education.
• Encourages SMEs for economic development, especially in underdeveloped and
rural areas.
• Faces challenges like limited capital access, inadequate business information,
and market restriction.

Community Development Develop Skills for Economic Empowerment

• Provide vocational training and knowledge to citizens.

• Empower people, build resilience, and adapt to economic conditions.
• Provide economic self-sustenance, social inclusiveness, and sustainability.
• Foster local capacity building and social cohesion.
• Ensure long-lasting development for generations.

Conclusion

Community development is a collaborative process that enhances communities

by creating an inclusive environment, promoting engagement, and enhancing
skills. Practitioners play a crucial role in providing support, resources, and
guidance. In the Philippines, community development addresses challenges like
poverty, inequality, and natural disasters by uplifting underrepresented groups,
promoting sustainable practices, and fostering social unity. It also addresses
social and economic issues, leading to a better future.