The national government is implementing over P645 million worth of road projects in Cagayan Valley and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) this year to support peace efforts and boost development in former conflict areas, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) announced Monday.
Under the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) program, OPAPRU reported 24 ongoing infrastructure projects, including farm-to-market roads, community facilities, and flood control systems.
As of 2024, 19.3 kilometers of roads and bridges have already been completed in the region. For 2025, about P110 million is allocated for Region II and P535.9 million for CAR.
Director Anthony Peña of the PAMANA National Project Management Office said the projects are 76.46% complete and expected to improve agricultural productivity and connectivity for conflict-affected and geographically isolated communities.
OPAPRU Secretary Carlito Galvez emphasized the role of the military in identifying priority areas and ensuring the success of these initiatives.
The National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) noted that several provinces in Region II, including Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, and Cagayan, have been declared insurgency-free, paving the way for fast-tracked development.
The peace process with the Cordillera Bodong Administration–Cordillera People’s Liberation Army (CBA–CPLA) is nearing completion, with former rebels receiving integration, livelihood, and educational support. Galvez also urged troops to assist surrendering rebels in applying for amnesty, noting that 25 applications have been submitted in Isabela alone.
Military leaders said these efforts are key to ending internal conflict and allowing a pivot toward national defense priorities.