LASAM, CAGAYAN - The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Lasam celebrated the inauguration of seven infrastructure projects in five barangays funded through programs implemented by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) last January 31, 2024.
The ribbon-cutting ceremonies commenced in Barangay Magsaysay, where two farm-to-market roads, spanning 164 meters and 174 meters in Zone 2 and Zone 3, were made possible through the 2022 Local Government Support Fund - Support to the Barangay Development Program (LGSF-SBDP). The ceremony continued at Barangay Tucalan Passing, where the 2022 Seal of Good Local Governance Incentive Fund (SGLGIF) marker was unveiled for a 384-meter concreted farm-to-market road with cross drainage.
The ribbon-cutting continued at Cabatacan West, where two 2022 LGSF-SBDP projects were inaugurated: 26 units of Solar LED Street lights and the Rehabilitation/Improvement of Level II Water System. Another 253-meter concreted farm-to-market road was inaugurated at Cabatacan East through the 2022 LGSF-SBDP. The inauguration concluded at Barangay Peru, where a newly constructed Health Station was funded through the 2022 LGSF-SBDP.
The event was attended by various National Government Agencies (NGAs), including the DILG Regional Office 2 and Cagayan Provincial Office, led by Assistant Regional Director Elpidio A. Durwin and Provincial Director Maria Loida M. Urmatam. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), headed by BGen Eugene M. Mata, Commander of the 502nd Infantry Brigade, the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) represented by Assistant Regional Director Rey Addatu, and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Cagayan. The Municipality of Lasam, led by Mayor Dante Dexter A. Agatep, Jr., along with officials, functionaries, and representatives from the five beneficiary barangays, facilitated the ceremonies.
In ARD Durwin's speech, he emphasized the critical importance of completing these inaugurated projects for the Department. He stated that the accomplishment of these projects is necessary for Secretary of the Interior and Local Government (SILG) Atty. Benjamin Abalos, Jr. to defend the budget needed for the rollout of projects in the coming years. ARD Durwin also challenged the Municipality of Lasam to attain the Seal of Good Local Governance for 2024 to receive an incentive fund for more infrastructure projects.
He clarified that the LGSF-SBDP is the result of the whole-of-nation approach of the Government, institutionalized through Executive Order 70, aimed at achieving inclusive and sustainable peace through collaboration among various NGAs, such as the DILG, AFP, NICA, PIA, PNP, and other agencies, in providing effective government services in conflict-affected and vulnerable communities.
BGen Mata expressed gratitude to Mayor Agatep for the invitation and highlighted the importance of the infrastructure projects in Lasam as a milestone for the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) in Region 2. He provided insight into the implementation of the LGSF-SBDP in barangays and commended Lasam for being selected among the 28 LGUs and 820 barangays in Cagayan given that the country has a total of 1,485 LGUs and 42,029 barangays. He acknowledged the LGU's efforts in driving out community terrorist groups (CTGs) and assured that, in the long run, CTGs would be eradicated in Cagayan. He urged residents to continue supporting the government's efforts to make Cagayan insurgency-free, citing success in provinces like Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino and the absence of insurgency activities in Isabela, pending official status.
Mayor Agatep expressed gratitude to President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. for his support of programs aimed at developing and improving the lives of people in local communities, including the humble town of Lasam. He also recognized the efforts of the NTF-ELCAC in bringing sustainable and effective developments through the LGSF-SBDP projects to the local communities in his municipality.
The mayor extended his thanks to the DILG for guiding the LGU in implementing, monitoring, and completing the inaugurated projects, including the ongoing construction of the LGSF-SBDP projects granted in 2023. He anticipates that the beneficiary barangays will responsibly maintain the completed projects for the welfare of the residents.
Barangay Captain Marissan Jacinto of Tuccalan Passing couldn't hold back tears, recalling how she used to hope and wish for a concreted road in their barangay due to the challenges posed by the difficult-to-traverse unpaved muddy road. Overwhelmed with emotion, she expressed heartfelt gratitude as their barangay was selected as a beneficiary for the SGLGIF.
The Barangay Captains of Cabatacan West, Magsaysay, Cabatacan East, and Peru extended their gratitude to the NTF-ELCAC for the projects granted to their barangays through the LGSF-SBDP. Each captain shared how the projects have significantly reduced travel time and improved the transportation of agricultural products like rice and corn.
One captain even lightened the mood by joking that, thanks to the newly concreted farm-to-market road, farmers no longer need to travel to sell their produce; instead, buyers now visit their homes to inquire about pricing. He emphasized the broader impact of the road, highlighting that it has led to various multi-sectoral developments. Tricycle drivers can now offer door-to-door services, and students, who once had to carry their slippers to school, can now comfortably wear shoes for their commute.
Another Barangay Captain humorously noted that the community terrorist groups (CTGs) no longer traverse their barangay since the road concreting, joking that these groups are not accustomed to traveling on concreted roads. The captains also conveyed their desire for continuous financial grants to support ongoing improvements in their barangays.
Beneficiaries shared testimonies about the transformative impact of the completed projects in their respective barangays, expressing profound gratitude for the SGLGIF and LGSF-SBDP projects provided to them.
IO II Louella Marie T. Pader
