CDC is the ‘crucial bridge’ between residents and government: PM Lee

SINGAPORE: The Community Development Councils (CDC) are the “crucial bridge” between the government and the residents of Singapore, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said as he witnessed the 10th appointment ceremony of the CDC of central Singapore on Tuesday (24 May November).

“The CDC… is the crucial bridge between residents and the government. You are eyes and ears on the ground, helping us identify where residents are being neglected. You are also our hands and legs, mobilizing the community, the resources, the partners, to implement programs to close these gaps, to satisfy these needs, ”he said.

“By bringing the community together to care for the vulnerable and in need, and to do good for others, CDC helps deepen our sense of mutual responsibility.”

Lee added: “This personal connection that you create, providing government services with a human face and a human touch, not only helps us to respond quickly and effectively to residents in times of need, but also to build the spirit of a caring society. . In Singapore. “

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Tuesday’s ceremony was held virtually, with 62 district councilors appointed for the council’s tenth term.

In September, Ms. Denise Phua was sworn in for her third term as Mayor of the Central District of Singapore. Members of Parliament Darryl David, Chong Kee Hiong and Saktiandi Supaat were appointed vice-presidents in July.

DOING A LOT OF “GOOD JOB”

The Singapore CDC Center has been “especially successful” as a bridge between the government and Singaporeans, Mr. Lee said, noting that it has “grown stronger and stronger” under Ms. Phua.

It has built a “strong core” of volunteers and partners, establishing more than 50 community programs with the support of “committed” corporate donors, through schemes such as the SkillsFuture Resident Counseling Workshop and CDC’s Student Meal Programs. nationwide and CDC Coupon Schemes.

The Singapore CDC center “redoubled” its effort during COVID-19, Mr. Lee added, with programs to support residents in need and to raise awareness of COVID-19 measures.

“So the Singapore CDC center is doing a great job. COVID-19 or not, we need institutions like the Singapore CDC Center, to help hold our society together, to help strengthen our ties with each other, and to set the right tone for us to want to help and care for each other, “he said. said.

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The Singapore CDC center “must remain relevant” now more than ever, said Phua, who also spoke at Tuesday’s ceremony.

It must “actively aggregate needs, build capacities, build networks and connect these needs, these networks, these resources with needs,” so that society “emerges stronger, not weaker,” he said.