Friday, May 21, 2021

AFP program set vs insurgency in Kalinga villages

 By Peter A. Balocnit

BALBALAN, Kalinga -- Eleven barangays of this municipality will be recipients of government programs and projects under the Community Support Program (CSP) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines against insurgency.
Projects will be done through the 50th Infantry Battalion,  in partnership with the local government unit and national line agencies.
    Barangays covered as End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) areas were identified as Balantoy, Gawa-an, Ab-abaan, Ba-ay, Balbalasang, Buaya, Dao-angan, Maling, Talalang, Pantikian, and Mabaca.
    The program launching recently was highlighted with the signing of certificates of acceptance and commitment to guarantee mutual support to the CSP teams in the municipality. With convergence of services as strategy to bring interventions in these ELCAC barangays, planning in villages will be conducted by army teams assigned to gather data for projects  funded by ELCAC.
They will also facilitate preparation of project proposals for funding.
    Balbalan mayor Eric Gonayon welcomed the 50th IB soldiers citing the Philippine Army’s efforts in prioritizing Balbalan LGU for the CSP.
    He said the CSP team will help the LGU in identifying community concerns, which is also a big help in the delivery of various services in isolated and marginalized areas.
    50IB commander LTC Melanio Somera said the CSP troops would serve as facilitators in addressing issues on insurgency in  communities in collaboration with the local government units, government agencies and stakeholders.
He said the community and village chairman have critical roles in terms of advocating and protecting the youths and students from joining the New People’s Army.
    “We will also conduct localized peace engagements to convince NPA remnants to surrender and avail of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program for them to start a new and normal life.
    “The Philippine Army will be working in your areas not only to address peace and security concerns but also to help facilitate the safe delivery of government basic social services in distant and conflict-affected areas. Our aim is to bring our government closer to the people,” Somera said.
    Meanwhile, 503rd Brigade executive officer Lt. Col. Magtangol Panopio urged villagers to be on the side of government and end the communist armed conflict.
    MLGOO Mediatrix Alino, said LGUs will be mandated to sustain said projects through their inclusion in the Local Investment Plan. 00 PIA Kalinga
 

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