Three villages in Malitbog, Bukidnon will soon have paved roads and livelihood projects under the Local Government Support Fund–Support to Barangay Development Program (LGSF-SBDP).

Kiabo, San Luis, and Siloo are among the 71 SBDP beneficiaries and will receive PHP20 million each.

The Philippine Army’s 58th Infantry Battalion (58IB), a partner of the project, said in a statement on Sunday that three local access roads with a projected length of 1.3 kilometers each will be constructed.

Lt. Col. Ricky Canatoy, commanding officer of the 58IB, said the LGSF-SBDP complements the fight against communist terrorist groups (CTGs).

“Insurgency is about governance. Who governs best, wins the war. The commitment of the local government units, national and local government agencies, and other stakeholders is crucial in the intensification of sustaining this program. And I am positive this project will be a success, with the help and cooperation from the residents,” he stated.

Mayor Osmundo dela Rosa said that in order to thrive in the countryside, the communities need decent roads as most of his constituents are farmers.

“Having paved roads is crucial because it helps them to access their farm outputs. And I credit the implementation of Executive Order No. 70, also known as the whole-of-nation approach, for the completion of these road projects,” he said in another statement.

Dela Rosa said by working together, CTGs can realize their mistaken notions about the government.

“I hope they would have the eyes and heart to see that our government is eager to assist them in transforming their current condition and lives,” he said.

Carmelo Enrique Libot, Provincial Director of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Bukidnon, said the national government is dedicated in its mandate to deliver services to the people and address insurgency by bringing sustainable solutions and basic services to communities in need.

“We are privileged that the province of Bukidnon was included as beneficiary of the LGSF-SBDP. I strongly believe that the projects serve an important part of the peace and development of the conflict-affected and geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas. It is my fervent hope that this will allow the target beneficiaries to overcome their challenges and will open more doors for them to progress and boost their economic livelihood,” he said during Thursday’s groundbreaking rites in Baragay Kiabo, attended by residents of the barangay beneficiaries, including those from indigenous peoples communities.

The DILG said PHP16.24 billion or 99 percent of the funds for the Barangay Development Program targeting 822 villages cleared of CTGs have been released to recipient local government units as of June 30. (PNA)