AFP implements dev't projects

MANILA, Philippines - The military implemented 98 development projects worth P95 million in far-flung areas last year, an official said yesterday.

National Development Support Command (NADESCOM) spokesman Maj. Emmanuel Garcia said the projects benefited some 100,000 families nationwide.

The projects include school buildings, farm-to-market roads, health centers, rural electrification, bridge, path walk, water system, multi-purpose buildings and rain collectors.

Garcia said the projects were implemented in partnership with private donors and local government units.

“About P1.2 billion worth of peace and development projects are in the pipeline,” he added.

Soldiers are also building 30 classrooms in areas hit by tropical storm “Sendong.” Garcia said 15 of the classrooms are in Cagayan de Oro and the other 15 in Iligan.

“We are also constructing 20 bunk houses through the 4th Infantry Division. Each of the bunk houses can accommodate 20 families,” he said.

The NADESCOM is the development arm of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. It has been working with private groups to facilitate the delivery of basic services to conflict areas.

The implementation of development projects is part of the military’s security plan Bayanihan, which seeks to end insurgency by addressing poverty.