The national government, under the leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. has reaffirmed its commitment to community development and addressing the root causes of conflict by sustaining the Barangay Development Program of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) aimed at improving the socio-economic conditions in barangays cleared of CPP-NPA-NDF presence.
Speaking on the government’s promise to support the reintegration of former rebels during the Executive Committee Meeting of the NTF-ELCAC today in Malacañang, the President emphasized the importance of fulfilling commitments made to those who have abandoned armed struggle in favor of peace and progress.
“We have made promises. We must live up to them. Kasi babalik yan, sasabihin nila, ahh wala pala kwenta kausap ang gobyerno, kaya lalaban nalang pala kami,” the President told the NTF ELCAC Executive Meeting composed of the Cabinet led by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and National Security Adviser Eduardo M. Año.
In support of this initiative, the President has directed the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to allocate an additional PHP 5 million for each Barangay Development Project this year. This funding aims to further strengthen the government’s efforts in providing sustainable livelihood programs, infrastructure improvements, education, and healthcare services to communities affected by past conflicts.
It will be remembered that the National Expenditure Program (NEP) allocated P10 Million per barangay in 2025 for 780 barangays cleared of NPA presence but the General Appropriations Act slashed this to P2.5 Million per barangay.
“We need to find a way to restore the 10M per barangay. That’s the most important to me. We’re making good progress because of the BDP. I cannot stress enough that point. The Barangay Development Program is key to the success of the entire NTF ELCAC project,” the President said.
NSC Asst. Director-General Jonathan Malaya said that the Barangay Development Program is part of the government’s broader initiative to address the root causes of insurgency by ensuring that those who have reintegrated into society are given the necessary support to lead productive lives.
“Key components of the project include the construction of roads, schools, and health centers, as well as financial and technical assistance for livelihood opportunities. These efforts are designed to empower former rebels and their communities, creating trust in the government’s ability to deliver on its commitments,” he said.
He said that through the program, “the government reiterates its dedication to national reconciliation and sustainable development, reinforcing the message that peace and progress go hand in hand, and at the heart of this initiative is the Filipino family—those who have chosen to turn back to the government are a priority. Their well-being, stability, and prosperity are essential to building a stronger and more united nation.”
Some 4,000 infrastructure projects has been implemented in cleared barangays since the BDP’s inception in 2021.
