Barangays cleared from the influence of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in Albay called for the sustained peace and progress gained through the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).
Pood Brgy. Captain Joel Barra Convocar said his barangay has benefited from NTF-ELCAC through responding to their needs.
“Almost 90% of my residents benefitted from the tractor given by the Department of Agriculture. One thing we pursued is the farm-to-market road from Pood to Pio Duran, so it won’t be hard for us to transport our products,” he said.
Ongo Brgy. Captain Gaudilla Uno said the road access from the government’s projects have improved the conditions of the shanty houses in their area.
“Before, we don’t have a water supply here. Today, we already have our submersible water pump,” the official said.
Despite the change of officials in the next administration, the Philippine Army and the regional office of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) are hoping for the continuity of programs.
DILG Albay provincial director Arnel Madrideo said the “objective remains” despite possible changes in forms.
Barangays Ongo and Pood in Guinobatan, Albay are two of the 20 barangays cleared from the influence of communist terrorist groups that will receive P20 million worth of projects.
The projects are included under the Support to Barangay Development Program (SBDP) component of the ELCAC program which aims to achieve inclusive peace and progress in the country. – Report from Sally Altea (PIA Albay)/AG-rir
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