Asipulo gov’t uses dev’t in ‘war’ vs insurgency

By Vency D. Bulayungan

ASIPULO, Ifugao -- The local government here is working now with stakeholders to bring development in remote barangays here to eradicate insurgency in this town.

Mayor Eladio Bang-ud said implementing programs and services in remote areas will discourage residents from joining the underground movement.

“We do not want war, we want to live in a peaceful place thus we are exerting efforts to show to our constituents that the government is sincere in providing their needs so as not to be easily swayed by the leftists,” Bang-ud said.

Bang-ud said they submitted project proposals to the provincial government, congressional office and even Malacanang for construction of roads to barangays Camandag, Namal and Cawayan.

These are reportedly favorite dwelling places of the New People’s Army rebels because the places are remote.

The mayor added bringing education in these areas will discourage the youth from being recruited by the NPAs since most recruits are out of school youth.

He said they are lobbying for additional school buildings from the Department of Education.

Bang-ud said the municipal health office and social welfare office are now conducting medical missions and social services in remote areas.

The police force here is also continuing information drive on negative effects of joining the insurgents and vowed to work with local officials in maintaining peace and order in the community.

The local police had also “adopted” schools here by providing sports materials and playing with the youth to let them feel that they are with them in their quest for a better life through peaceful means.