Nadescom abolition plan opposed

CEBU, Philippines - Bohol Rep. Erico Aumentado has opposed the impending abolition of the National Development Support Command (Nadescom) because of the agency’s contribution to the developments not only in his province but in Cebu as well.

Aumentado, in House resolution 2053, urged Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin to stop the implementation of the plan to abolish Nadescom effective May 3, 2012.

Nadescom was created to help the military in the campaign against insurgency by focusing more on conducting civil-military operations and implementing development projects and programs in the countryside.

“Waging war with the enemy will not solve the problem. It will only perpetuate a cycle of violence that will benefit neither party to the war. Instead of killing the enemies, we will try to win over friends,” Aumentado said.

“Nadescom has been implementing vigorously infrastructure projects in conflict areas and those declared free from insurgency such as Bohol and Cebu provinces,” he added.

Aumentado said Nadescom remains committed to establishing a collaborative working relationship in bringing development projects to the community not only with non-government organizations (NGOs), civil society, local government units (LGUs) and agencies and private organizations but also with the public at large because ultimately, it is the public that will benefit most in winning the peace.

“It has been an effective instrument of the military in bringing the AFP closer to the people,” Aumentado said.

In coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd) and several legislators, Nadescom has constructed thousands of classrooms all over the country in an effort to ease the problem of school building shortage at a cheaper cost.

Aumentado said in all of their projects, the savings are being flowed back to the school in terms of armchairs, teachers’ tables, electric fans, books and computers as well as window grills and comfort room facilities.

“It encourages the soldiers to always respect the human rights of every individual and to always observe professionalism,” Aumentado said.

Nadescom reportedly has completed the implementation of 1,691 peace and development projects in different parts of the country from 2005 to 2010.

Of the 1,691 peace and development projects completed, 794 are in Luzon, 511 in the Visayas and 386 in Mindanao.

The projects, which range from school buildings to day care and health centers, rural electrification projects to barangay water systems and farm-to-market-roads, were completed with the cooperation and support of the LGUs, line government agencies, NGOs and other stakeholders nationwide. — (FREEMAN)