President Duterte, who is chairman of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), is scheduled to visit the Mimaropa region on Thursday, to personally check the progress of the implementation of projects under the Barangay Development Program (BDP).
Mimaropa is made up of Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan.
The dismantling of guerilla forces in Region 4-B, which covier Mimaropa, has paved the way for the implementation of several development projects for the liberated barangays.
The National Security Adviser and NTF-ELCAC vice chairman, Secretary Hermogenes Esperon Jr., said Mimaropa’s peace and security is effectively managed through the joint efforts of the security forces and civilian agencies.
“I am proud to note that from 2020 to 2021, two guerilla fronts have been significantly weakened while one has been dismantled,” Esperon said in a statement.
Esperon noted that of the 822 barangay recipients of BDP, 25 are found in Mimaropa, where a total of 109 projects worth P500 million are now being implemented.
Esperon said the administration has started sustainable agriculture and livelihood programs such as Project Save and Project Sagip in the regions. Those projects assisted local farming communities for their sustenance.
“Livelihood assistance was likewise provided to a total of 224 regular New People’s Army (NPA) surrenderers who have returned to the folds of the law from 2020 to 2021,” Esperon added.
Next year, additional 54 Mimaropa barangays will be included on the BDP list for a total of 1,406 barangays nationwide with a proposed budget of P28.1 billion. This year’s BDP benefitted 822 barangays.
Under this flagship project of the Duterte administration, each barangay, that is cleared from NPA influence and threat, is granted P20 million worth of projects such as farm-to-market roads; school building, water sanitation facility; health centers and livelihood projects.
Esperon also said that local executives, including governors and mayors, from Region 4-B have expressed full support for the BDP.
“We at the NTF-ELCAC give value to the intrinsic role of local communities in nation-building. As such, the NTF-ELCAC continuously seeks innovative ways to ensure that all of our communities partner with us in our shared goal towards the advancement of the Philippines,” Esperon added.
Palawan Gov. Jose Alvarez; Puerto Princesa Mayor Lucilo Bayron, representing the host local government unit; Cabinet members; lawmakers; and senior officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police will join the President in his visit.
Beneficiaries of the BDP will also participate in the day-long event.