Philippine Army to revive projects in depressed areas

CEBU, Philippines – The 53rd Engineering Brigade of the Philippine Army based in Central Command is now positioned in its new direction in implementing developmental projects in conflict affected areas in the entire Visayas.

Armed Forces National Development Support Command (NADESCOM) chief Maj. Gen. Carlos Holganza visited Cebu yesterday to launch its campaign on expanded role in promoting developments.

This is in response to Malacañang's willingness to restore the funding for Kalayaan Barangay Program that implements developmental projects in depressed areas and those heavily influenced by insurgents but under a new name, which is "Pamana."

Holganza said that Pamana (legacy) will replace the KBP, which consists of projects intended to discourage people from joining armed groups. These include the construction of school buildings, water systems, and farm-to-market roads.

The government had allotted P1 billion per year to KBP from 2008 to 2010. For next year, however, President Aquino terminated the funding for the program, saying it "no longer delivered its intended outcomes."

"The KBP is still there. It is now under Pamana," Holganza said in a press conference yesterday.

Tomorrow, Holganza will be in Bohol for the groundbreaking of a project which will improve the concept of Bayanihan sa Barangay project.

"We hope that this would be a success before the end of the year and become the model of our infrastructure projects nationwide next year," said NADESCOM chief of staff, Col. Rodolfo Santiago.

Santiago reported that this year, the 53rd EB has 65 various projects implemented in 42 barangays in the Visayas and one will be inaugurated tomorrow in Barangay Matinaw, Carmen, Bohol.

Col. Mariano Veloria, commanding general of 53rd EB also reported that in 2009, they have completed 463 projects in 142 barangays scattered in the Visayas area.

Santiago said that KBP was started in 2004 and after realizing its effectiveness in achieving peace, the government and the AFP are putting more emphasis on development in 2007.

With the administration of President Aquino, the government wanted to converge all of the efforts including non-state actors so that the approach is a whole of nation effort to solve internal conflict, said Santiago. (FREEMAN)