October 16, 2024

The NTF-ELCAC's Barangay Development Program (BDP) has made significant strides in 2023, with a remarkable 74% of projects completed, delivering essential services, including 100 new classrooms that promise to enhance educational opportunities for children in underserved communities.

The BDP's success was highlighted in the latest report presented during Monday's 3rd Quarter Joint Regional Task Forces (JRTFs) and National Clusters' presentation of Accomplishment Reports.

The BDP, a flagship initiative of the NTF-ELCAC, aims to improve the quality of life in communities affected by local communist armed conflict by delivering essential services and socio-economic development projects. This approach is designed to reduce local support for insurgents and foster stability in these areas.

According to the report, the bulk of the completed school building projects are in Region 8 (44), benefiting 119 barangays. Regions 3 and 5 also saw significant progress with 13 and 9 completed school buildings, respectively. All school building projects implemented in 12 regions have been completed. The completion of these school buildings is a significant step toward improving educational opportunities for children in underserved communities.

In addition to school buildings, the BDP has also completed 511 farm-to-market roads, 99 water and sanitation systems, 91 health stations, and 127 rural electrification projects.

Since its inception in 2021, the BDP has implemented socio-economic projects in over 4,000 barangays, encompassing housing, agricultural infrastructure, training and livelihood programs, and assistance to indigent families. 

As of October 9, 2024, the BDP continues to make progress: 23 projects are in the pre-procurement phase, involving detailed engineering design and program of works preparation; 31 projects are currently in the procurement and bidding phase; and 269 projects are actively being implemented.

In fiscal year 2024, the BDP has allocated Php 2.5 million to each of the 864 participating barangays, with a total of 885 projects planned. As of today, nine projects have been completed, including two farm-to-market roads, one health station, and six rural electrification projects.

During the event, National Security Adviser Secretary Eduardo Año commended the concerted efforts on the BDP, highlighting its role in bringing meaningful change to conflict-affected areas and bridging the gap between these communities and stable governance.

"The significant strides made by implementing the BDP through electrification, infrastructure, health services, and livelihood programs ensure that essential services reach our most vulnerable communities," he stated. "The transformation of these areas is a crucial step toward achieving long-lasting peace and development, as they are being exploited as a source of recruits against the government."

The NTF-ELCAC vice chairperson also emphasized the effectiveness of the Whole-of-Nation approach, highlighting the crucial role of all agencies and stakeholders in fostering lasting peace and creating meaningful opportunities for communities affected by decades of conflict.

NTF-ELCAC Executive Director Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr. underscored the BDP's crucial role in countering the CPP-NPA-NDF's long-standing strategy of exploiting vulnerable communities in conflict zones.

"The BDP has bridged development gaps in Geographically-Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs), which have historically been exploited by communist violent extremism," he said, highlighting the program's impact in disrupting the cycle of conflict.

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NTF-ELCAC MEDIA BUREAU

Ref: Joel M. Sy Egco

09155506969