Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. on Sunday highlighted the vital role that local government units (LGUs) play in peacebuilding and development.

“Napaka-importante po ng role ng ating mga LGUs (LGUs play a very valuable role) because it is only through localized normalization and transformation implementation that our programs become sustainable because we all contribute, the LGUs contribute,” Galvez said in a statement.

He noted that LGUs and the officials leading them have a deeper understanding of issues and concerns, and view them “from a more grounded and realistic perspective” because of their understanding of local dynamics.

“With this understanding, LGUs are able to recommend the best solutions in addressing the root causes of conflict,” Galvez said.

Earlier, the OPAPRU and local chief executives of six provinces, three cities, and 39 municipalities across the country inked a Memorandum of Agreement in a bid to enhance their collaboration in the implementation of Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) projects.

Some 43 governors and mayors gathered at the Philippine International Convention Center on March 14 to formalize their commitment to support the OPAPRU in the implementation of PAMANA projects for the fiscal year (FY) 2024.

Under the agreement, the local government units will support the implementation of 70 PAMANA-funded infrastructural and development projects nationwide.

These projects include, among others, road concreting and improvements projects; the construction of farm-to-market roads, bridges, farmers training centers, water systems; and the provision of rainwater collectors and water storage tanks.

Galvez called on local chief officials to effectively and efficiently implement PAMANA projects, as these will be crucial in finally putting an end to armed conflict. (PNA)