Columbio, Camiguin boost campaign vs insurgency

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 13, 2021): Columbio, Camiguin boost campaign vs insurgency (By Recthie T. Paculba)

CAMIGUIN, Jan. 13 (PIA)--To strengthen campaign against insurgency, and further attain peace and order in their areas, Columbia, Sultan Kudarat in Region 12 and Camiguin in Region 10 prioritize projects and bring government services to their identified Convergence Areas for Peace and Development (CAPDev).

During the Network Briefing News interview with Communications Sec. Martin Andanar, Columbio Mayor Edwin Bermudez said they have organized 24 farmers' associations or groups in the area with the help of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Columbio said they assisted the groups' banana plantation and vegetable projects. The local government unit (LGU) has also given goat and poultry as well as they provided assistance in boosting fishponds in the said areas.

In December 2020, the LGU along with the various national line agencies visited 12 CAPDev areas and conducted a caravan to provide immediate assistance to the residents who needed government services or aid.

"Sa pamamagitan ng whole-of-nation approach, natulungan natin ang mga kababayan at naibsan ang kanilang paghihirap (With the whole-of-nation approach, we were able to help our constituents and aided in alleviating their difficulties)," Bermudez said.

Maintaining peace, order in Camiguin

In Camiguin, aside from conducting caravans to bring government services and programs closer to the people through the various national line agencies, the 58th Infantry Division is continuously conducting security operations in the province’s points of entry and exit.

Furthermore, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Camiguin reported 100 percent compliance of all LGUs in the province down to the barangay level on the organization of local task forces on Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC).

The Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) was already launched in the five identified pilot barangays of the province and these include Barangays Manduao, Butay, Owakan, Benhaan and Cuna.

In the said RCSP launching, a total of P300,000 livelihood assistance was provided by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has also conducted the Serbisyo Negosyo sa Barangay and provided livelihood starter kits to qualified beneficiaries.

The Whole of Nation Initiative (WNI) is a coordinating body that strategically addresses underdevelopment in areas affected by conflict. WNI convenes representatives from line agencies and taps private sector participation towards specific goals. (RTP/PIA10)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1063708