SBDP's Transformative Impact on Empowering Barangays Unveiled

June 24, 2024

The Support to Barangay Development Program (SBDP) has successfully uplifted conflict-affected communities through strategic infrastructure projects, enhancing accessibility, education, technology, and healthcare in barangays driving positive change and economic growth at the grassroots level, NTF-ELCAC Deputy Executive Director and SBDP Action Officer Monico Batle disclosed during a virtual press conference on Friday, June 21, 2024.

Batle, joined by Engr. Rene V. Valera, Office of Project Development Services Assistant Director and Localization of EO70 Project Management Office Head-DILG, delved into the theme "Empowering Barangays: SBDP's Success in Uplifting Conflict-Affected Communities."

"Unang-una, yung travel time, kung dati ang nakakadaan lang diyan ay kabayo at kalabaw eh ngayon, pwede na silang gumamit ng 4-wheel na sasakyan, pwede na motor at habal-habal. So ang resulta niyan, yung kanilang agri-products napapadala nila sa merkado ng maiksing oras. (So) isa yan sa mga naging impact na generic sa lahat yung produkto nila ay napupunta nila sa merkado ng mas maaga kaya malaki yung impact ng economy sa sitio o nung barangay," Batle explained.

Students also no longer endure long walks or river crossings to reach school; instead, they utilize habal-habal for transportation, he said. Basic services, such as healthcare, are now more accessible within barangays, reducing the need to travel to town centers.

The electrification of barangays has facilitated communication and access to modern amenities like cellphones, television, music, and online services. This transformation in education and healthcare is attributed to electrification and the establishment of health centers in barangays, according to Batle.

Key highlights of the SBDP's impact include the completion of 1000 kilometers of Farm to Market Roads (FMRs), revolutionizing transportation in remote areas. This has enabled farmers to swiftly transport their produce to markets, boosting economic opportunities and improving the quality of agricultural products.

Additionally, the construction of 623 classrooms and the establishment of basic services in barangays, along with the installation of 447 health stations and the completion of 14,800 rural electrification projects, have significantly enhanced access to education and healthcare services. These initiatives have provided modern amenities, bridged the digital divide, and empowered residents with digital access, leading to a substantial improvement in healthcare access and safety in barangays, with street lighting initiatives enhancing visibility and security.

The top 5 regions that benefited from SBDP projects completion are the following: for 2021, Region 11 got 545 and followed by Reg. XIII with 349; Reg. XI - 291; Reg. VI - 231; and Reg. XII - 197.

For 2022, Reg. V got 341; Reg. VIII - 266; Reg. X - 167; Reg. XI - 125; and Reg. XII - 104.

And for the year 2023, also the top 5 SBDP beneficiaries are Reg. VIII - 126; Reg. V - 191; Reg. III - 92; Reg. IV-A - 43; and Reg. VI - 26.

The SBDP beneficiaries are barangays liberated from the clutches of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs).

These areas are now collectively being capacitated by the government through the “whole-of-government/whole-of-nation” approach and good governance, prospering into models of unity, peace and development communities under the “Bagong Pilipinas” of the Marcos Jr. administration.

Reflecting on the impact of the SBDP projects, Batle stated, "The transformative changes we have witnessed in barangays are a testament to the power of strategic infrastructure development. The SBDP's commitment to empowering communities and fostering sustainable growth had yielded tangible results that are reshaping the landscape of local economies."

The SBDP's dedication to enhancing the quality of life in barangays has garnered praise from residents and stakeholders alike, underscoring the program's pivotal role in driving inclusive development and prosperity in conflict-affected communities.

NTF-ELCAC MEDIA BUREAU

Ref: Joel M. Sy Egco

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