P533 M set for livelihood projects in Cordillera conflict-torn towns

By Andrew Doga-ong

BONTOC, Mountain Province – P533 million worth of projects would be implemented in “conflict-affected communities” of  six provinces of the Cordillera as identified in the peace pact agreement forged between the government of the Philippines and the Cordillera Bodong Administration – Cordillera People’s Liberation Army in July 2011.

The Cordillera is set to receive this year at least P533 million worth of community development and livelihood projects under the Pamana or Payapa at MasaganangPamayanan (Peaceful and Resilient Communities) program  to enhance and sustain peace and development initiatives in provinces of the region.

Cheryl Datinguinoo, project development officer of Office of Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), bared the 2016 approved Pamana projects and programs during the 8th Pamana-CAR technical working group meeting in Subic last week.

Construction of local roads got biggest allocation of P363 million, construction of bridges – P80M, construction of post harvest facilities – P1.8M, construction of water systems – P11.6M, community infrastructure – P6.1M, livelihood projects – P26.995M and social protection programs – P 11.355M.

Included in the Pamana-funded program was operational and training support for forest guards to be implemented by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and OPAPP.

Funds of Pamana projects and programs would be given after memorandum of agreement with OPAPP partner implementing agencies such as the Dept. of the Interior and Local Government, Dept. of Agriculture, DENR, Dept. of Public Works and Highways, Commission on Higher Education, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and some local government units.

The PAMANA program is part of the priority economic development program of the Aquino Administration to help win the peace in vulnerable and conflict-affected communities nationwide.