PBBM vows more funds for SBDP recipients
April 05, 2024
In a decisive move to bolster community development and peace efforts, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced on Thursday a transformative increase in funding for the Support to Barangay Development Program (SBDP) under the auspices of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).
“The President has directed the Cabinet to increase the financial support to the 864 BDP barangays for 2024. He tasked the DBM to allow the 864 barangays to access the FALGU (Financial Assistance to LGU) Program so that their requirements for farm-to-market roads and water systems and sanitation can immediately be funded this year. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) will crunch the numbers and work out the immediate implementation of the President’s directive,” National Security Adviser and NTF-ELCAC co-vice chairperson Eduardo Ano said.
At a press briefing immediately after the NTF-ELCAC’s 5th Executive Meeting led by the President himself, Sec. Ano explained that under the 2024 General Appropriations Act, only a total of P2.6 Billion or P2.5 Million for each of the 864 barangays was appropriated.
“The President said that the P2.5 million per barangay is small. He said: ‘We have to do more. We have to do better than that. We will try to reach P10M per barangay’,” the Task Force official stressed, quoting the president.
The Barangay Development Program (BDP) was established with the end goal of bringing development to conflict-affected communities that were cleared of New People's Army (NPA) influence and control. Since the program’s inception, a total of P30.4 Billion pesos have been allocated to benefit some 4,501 barangays nationwide that were freed from the hands of communist terrorists.
The President specifically directed his Cabinet to see the budget allocation for each of the 864 barangays targeted by the SBDP in 2024 beefed up by tapping the FALGU and other possible sources of funds. This substantial increase from the previous PHP2.5 million allocation per barangay, officials said, marks a pivotal step in the government's commitment to accelerating development and fostering peace in areas previously marred by conflict.
"By significantly enhancing our investment in these communities, we aim not just to meet, but to exceed their needs for development and peace," Pres. Marcos stated, emphasizing the administration's resolve to "do more, do better."
Once made available, this budget enhancement will be earmarked for critical infrastructure projects, including the development of farm-to-market roads and improvements in water systems and sanitation facilities. These initiatives are expected to drastically improve living conditions, enhance access to markets, and stimulate local economies in the beneficiary barangays.
The DBM was tasked to swiftly and efficiently find the needed budget and ensure that the communities can access enhanced financial support without delay.
In addition to this financial boost, the President has underscored the importance of a sustained and holistic approach to development and peace-building across the nation. This includes the continuous development and implementation of targeted programs and projects for the 5,430 barangays that have been integral to the BDP since its inception.
The administration is also in the process of finalizing a comprehensive 2024-2028 Roadmap, spearheaded by the NTF-ELCAC. This strategic plan aims to address the root causes of conflict, empower communities, and unite all sectors in the fight against terrorism, in alignment with the President’s Philippine Development Plan 2023-2038.
The Marcos administration reiterates its unwavering commitment to building a stronger, more united Philippines through these strategic investments and initiatives. By significantly increasing financial support for the SBDP, the government is laying the groundwork for a future where every Filipino community is empowered to achieve its full potential. (End)
NTF-ELCAC MEDIA BUREAU
Ref: Joel M. Sy Egco
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