RETOOLED COMMUNITY. The 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army (3ID) reports that 584 projects funded under the support to barangay development program (SBDP) were completed in Central and Western Visayas from 2021 to 2023 during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas on Tuesday (Aug. 13, 2024). The SBDP is implemented in barangays that are declared insurgency-cleared and have undergone the retooled community support program. (Screengrab from 3ID video)
ILOILO CITY – The 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army (3ID) reported on Tuesday that a total of 584 projects funded under the support to barangay development program (SBDP) were completed in Central and Western Visayas from 2021 to 2023.
3ID commander Maj. Gen. Marion R. Sison, during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas, said the SBDP comes after a barangay (village) cleared from insurgency has undergone the retooled community support program where issues and concerns affecting the community are identified.
Of the completed projects, he said 392 are in Western Visayas, which since 2021 have been allocated PHP4.32 billion worth of projects.
The 584 completed projects are part of the 782 projects identified in 495 barangays in the two regions covered by the 3ID, he said.
“We provide support to our communities in geographically isolated and disadvantaged and far-flung areas. We establish projects like farm-to-market roads, good sanitation, and bridges. They appreciate very much the program of EO (Executive Order) 70,” Sison said.
EO 70 institutionalizes the whole-of-government approach to attain inclusive and sustainable peace.
Under the EO, the government shall prioritize and harmonize the delivery of basic services and social development packages in conflict-affected areas and -vulnerable communities, facilitate societal inclusivity, and ensure active participation of all sectors of society in the pursuit of the country's peace agenda.
“EO 70 is the most potent tool of the government in order to end this menace, this local armed terrorist,” Sison said.
The 3ID said that the socio-economic and development projects are part of their sustained efforts in insurgency-cleared areas.
Among the projects implemented were farm-to-market roads, potable water sanitation system, health station, school buildings, and rural electrification.
Sison said the 3ID is eyeing to declare a state of stable internal peace and security (SIPS) in Panay Island by the Sept. 30.
Of the four provinces in Panay, only Aklan has achieved the SIPS, while Antique has a pending application, and Capiz and Iloilo are in a “manageable stage.”
Sison said two of the three fronts operating in Panay are already dismantled, while the Central Front has been weakened. (PNA)
