P8.08 billion released for insurgency-free barangay

MANILA, Philippines —  The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has disbursed P8.08 billion to fund projects in barangays cleared of insurgency.

The fund is provided under the Support to Barangay Development Program (SBDP) of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict or NTF-ELCAC.

Budget Secretary Rolando Toledo on Tuesday approved the special allotment release order for the fund.

For this year, 808 insurgency-cleared barangays were identified as beneficiaries of the SBDP.

“This release is in compliance with the instruction of President Marcos to ensure that no community is left behind... that development reaches even the most remote barangays,” Toledo said.

The SBDP aims to spur inclusive growth by strengthening local governance and addressing the roots of conflict through responsive, community-driven development projects, the DBM said.

Last year, church groups questioned the P8.08-billion allocation for the NTF-ELCAC, saying it was framed as a “reward” for insurgency-cleared barangays.

The task force rejected the claim, saying the program is being carried out by several line agencies and covers infrastructure and social services, and is not a cash aid.