President Rodrigo Duterte is scheduled to visit today the Zamboanga Peninsula to personally check the ongoing projects intended for poor barangays and people previously affected by an ongoing insurgency.
During his visit, dubbed as “President’s Hour,” the Regional Development and Security for Region 9 as well as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) are expected to present to Duterte the accomplishment report of the Regional Task Force-ELCAC.
Duterte is the chair of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).
In a statement, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr., NTF-ELCAC vice chairman stressed that several guerilla fronts in Zamboanga Peninsula have been dismantled and the last two rebel groups are significantly weakened.
“They will be soon dismantled. The peace and order in the region is achieved through the joint efforts of the security officials and regional offices of national government agencies,” Esperon said.
To be presented to the President, according to Esperon, are the projects initiated through the Barangay Development Program (BDP), the flagship project of the current administration.
“These undertakings on enhanced social welfare, job creation, livelihood assistance, and infrastructure development are the foundations by which we create inclusive and sustainable growth for those who need it most,” Esperon added.
Particularly in Zamboanga Peninsula, a total of 86 projects under BDP are being implemented for 34 barangays cleared of the influence and threat of the CPP-NPA-NDF from 2016 to 2019.
For next year, a total of 39 barangays from Region 9, with no insurgency, will be receiving the BDP package or P20-million worth of different projects such as farm-to-market roads, school buildings, health centers, water sanitation, livelihood and financial assistance to the indigents.
This year, the NTF-ELCAC was granted with at least P16.4 billion BDP funds for the 822 chosen barangays nationwide. The target for next year is to increase the number to 1,406 barangays with a proposed funds of P28.1 billion.
According to Esperon, with the strong determination of the local chief executives, who are pushing for these development projects in barangays, a difference in the living conditions of the people is seen and felt.
“In behalf of the President, I would like to express my deepest appreciation to the members of the RTF-ELCAC, local chief executives, and their private sector partners who tirelessly work to make our collective aspirations for peace and development a reality. The Zamboanga Peninsula has shown us that inclusive development and lasting peace are attainable through cooperation among the government and its stakeholders. Through the BDP, a better life is now possible for communities freed from the CTG,” Esperon said.,
Joining the President in his visit to Region 9 are Zamboanga del Sur Gov. Victor Yu and Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco; some Cabinet Members; officers of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), NTF-ELCAC and beneficiaries of BDP.