DavOro gov’t pours P6-M projects in former NPA-infiltrated area

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 23, 2022): DavOro gov’t pours P6-M projects in former NPA-infiltrated area (By Che Palicte) February 23, 2022, 1:38 pm

NEW HEALTH STATION. The provincial government of Davao de Oro turns a barangay health center worth PHP3 million to Sitio Puting Bato, Barangay Ngan, Compostela on Feb. 19, 2022. The sitio is a former New People’s Army (NPA)-infiltrated area. (Photo courtesy of Davao de Oro PIO)

Some PHP6 million worth of infrastructure projects have been poured into Sitio Puting Bato, Barangay Ngan, a former New People’s Army (NPA)-infiltrated area in the municipality of Compostela, the provincial government of Davao de Oro said Wednesday.

The finished projects, which were turned over on February 19, included a PHP3-million barangay health center, a PHP2-million daycare center, and a PHP1-million Level 2 water system.

Sitio Puting Bato was considered conflict-affected due to the area’s disadvantaged situation as it is situated 6.7 kilometers away from the town center amid poor road conditions.

Governor Jayvee Tyron Uy said the projects were part of the strategic 4Ps+ program which stands for Planet, People, Prosperity, Peace, and Plus (Good Governance).

“The government is providing more community projects at a grassroots level to ensure that residents in the province get access to better living,” he said in a statement.

Sitio Puting Bato leader Vicente Damalerio, along with the other barangay officials, expressed their gratitude as they formally accepted the projects implemented by the provincial government.

“We thank the provincial government for providing us a school that would help our youth fulfill their studies. The health center is very helpful, especially for pregnant women and we now have access to clean and potable water,” he said in the vernacular.

Due to the relentless efforts and convergence of various government agencies, Damalerio said their place has been freed from NPA influence and has been transformed into a progressive area.

The Communist Party of the Philippines - NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

The Anti-Terrorism Council also formally designated the National Democratic Front as a terrorist organization on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA that was created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1168361