Undeterred by the storm and heavy rain, the National and Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF RTF-ELCAC) inspected and validated the FY 2023 Local Government Support Fund - Support to the Barangay Development Program (LGSF-SBDP) projects in the Province of Cagayan from July 22-25, 2024.
The NTF & RTF-ELCAC validation team, composed of representatives from various National Government Agencies (NGAs) including the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Department of Budget Management (DBM), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Agriculture (DA), Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Philippine Army, conducted the inspection. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 2 led the inspection with support from the Localization of Executive Order 70 - Program Management Office (LEO 70 - PMO).
The validation team assessed a total of 12 completed and ongoing SBDP projects across the Local Government Units (LGUs) of Gonzaga, Sta. Ana, Tuao, Piat, and Sto. Niño.
Col. Alexander D. Banatao, Director for Intelligence & Strategic Communications of the NTF-ELCAC, emphasized the importance of a whole-of-government approach in achieving peace and development in conflict-affected areas. He addressed the LGUs during the inspection, stressing that security alone cannot resolve the issue of insurgency.
Gonzaga: Residents' Anticipation for Potable Water
Despite the announcement of a typhoon approaching northern Cagayan on July 22, the NTF & RTF-ELCAC validation team proceeded to LGU Gonzaga to inspect the ongoing construction of a Level II potable water system in Barangay Santa Clara. The team visited the completed water tank and engaged in discussions with residents about the SBDP’s impact and their awareness of the program. Residents eagerly expressed their anticipation for the project's completion. They noted how the new water tank would significantly improve their access to clean water, a long-awaited improvement in their daily lives.
Sta. Ana: Positive Feedback on Road Improvements
The team then proceeded to Sta. Ana to evaluate the road projects in Brgy. Casambalangan. The 350-meter road opening and concreting at Baloloy Street, and the 300-meter concreted road at Macapulay Street were met with positive feedback. Merelyn Repaso, a local MAPEH teacher, shared that the road improvements have eased student commutes and bolstered local tourism, making travel to the shore more convenient.
Tuao: Economic Boost and Enhanced Mobility
The following day, July 23, the team went to Tuao to validate the farm to market roads in San Luis and Lakambini. Delia Lamer from San Luis highlighted that the 249-meter road has created new economic opportunities, allowing her to open a sari-sari store that serves the local community. She recalled previous flooding issues that had hindered access during rainy seasons. In Lakambini, Josie Collado emphasized that the 646.53-meter road has greatly eased the transport of agricultural produce and improved access to the barangay hall and local church.
Piat: Health Station and Improved Connectivity
On July 24, the team assessed the ongoing construction of an 8x8-meter two-storey health station in Calaoagan, Piat. This inspection addressed recommendations made during a previous RTF-ELCAC inspection on April 18, 2024, to ensure project quality.
Barangay Kagawad Wilson Sagun of Minanga praised the 560-meter farm-to-market road, noting that it has become a favored route for athletes and significantly improved connectivity to neighboring barangays.
Sto. Niño: Local Reactions to Road Upgrades
The team concluded their inspection on July 25 in Sto. Niño, evaluating SBDP projects in Barangays Virginia and Campo. Residents in Virginia reported that the upgraded 565-meter farm-to-market road has facilitated the transport of their agricultural produce. In Campo, the completion of a 223-meter road in Zone 7 and the partial rehabilitation of a 200-meter stretch along Zone 4 have been well received, despite temporary construction halts due to rain. Residents appreciated the improved access and the LGU's efforts in enhancing their community infrastructure.
The NTF and RTF-ELCAC had a closing ceremony at the DILG R2 office after the inspection at Sto. Niño where Regional Director Agnes A. De Leon attended virtually via Zoom.
The SBDP is the flagship program of the NTF-ELCAC funded under the LGSF for poverty alleviation and development in geographically isolated and former communist conflict-afflicted areas.
IO II Louella Marie T. Pader
