Over P1 Billion Allocated to Development Projects in Former Insurgency Areas of Western Visayas

ILOILO CITY, WESTERN VISAYAS — The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) has allocated more than PHP1.07 billion for development projects in barangays formerly affected by insurgency in Western Visayas, aiming to bolster progress and stability in these areas from 2022 to 2024.

According to Philippines News Agency, regional director of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Western Visayas, the funding supports 238 projects under the Local Government Support to Barangay Development Program (SBDP). Speaking at the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas on Tuesday, Ingeniero emphasized that these initiatives focus on poverty alleviation and the development of geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs), which have been cleared of communist conflict. The projects include constructing farm-to-market roads, installing rural electrification and sanitary water systems, and building health stations and school facilities.

Ingeniero also noted a significant reduction in conflict areas and rebel activities, reflecting the program’s success in fostering peace and development. “From the start, we targeted 170 conflict areas, but this number is fast declining. The sightings of rebels are also decreasing,” he stated. With ongoing efforts by the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, there is an optimistic goal to declare Western Visayas a cleared area by 2028.

The SBDP also extends its reach beyond conflict-cleared areas, funding projects in other GIDAs to enhance residents’ access to government services and improve overall living conditions.