Insurgency-affected villages get P600-K

By Thelma C. Bicarme

CABARROGUIS, Quirino — Two barangays here identified as affected by conflict, insurgency, geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) were recipients of livelihood projects and potable water supply from the Dept. of Science and Technology Region 2 through the Provincial Science and Technology, Cabarroguis Police Station and the local government.
    The DOST allocated P600,000 through its CEST program (community empowerment through science and technology) to be released in full to barangays Calaocan and Villarose to cover expenses of "Community retooled program" (RSCP).
    The projects aim to address the root causes of insurgencies, internal disturbances and tensions, armed conflicts, and threats through prioritization and delivery of its appropriate programs and services to conflict-affected and GIDAS.
Calaocan will get P562,000 worth of projects.

The biggest amount of P420,000 will come from DOST-02; P20,000 LGU-Cabarroguis; P87,000 as a counterpart of the barangay and P35,000 from PNP-Cabarroguis.

For Villarose, a total of 305,000 livelihood projects has been alloted in the barangay.

A total of P180,000 will come from DOST-02, GIA-CEST, P 70,000 from  LGU-Cabarroguis, P30,000 as barangay counterpart and P25,000 from PNP-Cabarroguis.

Prior to awarding of the livelihood projects, the residents of the two barangays were consulted by the Cabarroguis police headed by Capt. Fernando Manayod on priority needs.

Police later recommended identified priority needs for funding by the DOST Quirino through provincial director Rocela Angelica Gorospe and the local government headed by Mayor Willard Abuan.

The livelihood projects were part of the “Whole-of-nation approach” against insurgency.

DOST 2 will assist on project implementation in said barangays by providing science and technology assistance such as consultancy and technology trainings.

Another component of the project is the establishment of water sanitation, good health and nutrition, establishment of potable water system and feeding program in the community.

To ensure that the objectives of the project are attained, the DOST with PNP Cabarroguis will closely monitor the status and completion of the project. -- PIA 2-Quirino