The local government’s Oplan Pagbabago (End Local Communist Armed Conflict – Retooled Community Support Program) Ato ni Bai sa Barangay program was formally launched in Barangay San Isidro on March 12, this municipality.

The program is a synchronized and harmonized national, provincial and municipal government efforts in combating insurgency and to bring about development and security to vulnerable communities in the municipality.

More than 50 key community officials and members in Barangay San Isidro together with local RCSP Team were gathered for an open platform for democratic participation in the identification of the problems, issues and needs as well as prioritization of interventions based on its doability, importance, urgency and relevance.

Mr. Raul B. Basañes, Municipal Administrator, shared the message Mayor Ramil L. Gentugaya calling for a unified and concerted move in addressing poverty, social inequity and social injustice thru application of responsive local governance, during his opening remarks.

Mrs. Ivy Mae Esteban, MLGOO, briefed the participants on the government’s efforts in ending insurgency in Monkayo thru localized initiative in compliance with the provisions of the firm directive of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in institutionalizing the Whole-of-Nation Approach (EO 70).

Mrs. Esteban also shared that this convergence program provided a peaceful avenue for transforming mass-based sympathizers; deliver relevant government programs and services to the community; redirect the Underground Mass Organization (UGMO) to go back to the folds of the government and integrate peace-building efforts for reconciliation, resolution and restoration through dialogue to create a conflict-resilient community.

In behalf of Gov. Tyron Uy, Hon. Joseph Jauod discussed that the provincial government’s flagship program Oplan Pagbabago is now integrated to the municipality’s initiative in addressing relevant issues concerning peace, people and life, as we are one, we are government.

He also stressed that the program has two major components geared towards the development of the grassroots and it is also a relevant and responsive support program towards community development of affected barangays and mainstreaming of former rebels.

After the short program, the participants were purposely divided into five sectors, namely: social, economic, environment and disaster risk reduction management, infrastructure, and institutional, peace and order. They were gathered into designated areas for the administration of Community Needs Assessment Tool (CNAT) and conduct of Focus Group Discussion (FGD) thru appreciative inquiry. These two strategies were employed to gain an in‐depth understanding of emerging issues and concerns for every sector and to provide a venue for the participants to share their perceptions, opinion or ideas.

With the different programs, projects and policies prepared, every sector presented their outputs in the plenary for validation. During the prioritization process, the community participants set the criteria on selecting the most appropriate programs, projects and policies for funding and implementation.

At the end of the Kumustahan sa Barangay, the community identified top five (5) priority programs and projects, viz: (1) Water Supply Development; (2) Concreting of Provincial Road; (3) Installation of Cell Site; (4) Improvement of Farm-to-Market roads; and, (5) Livelihood Programs.

As a pilot site, personnel from local governments of Montevista, Maragusan, Laak, Maco and Nabunturan observed the proceedings of the activity to be replicated on their own respective towns.

Moreover, the Oplan Pagbabago (ELCAC-RCSP) Ato ni Bai sa Barangay program has two major components – Kumustahan and Tunol Serbisyo. Kumustahan sa Barangay is a quantitative and qualitative needs assessment activity where the key community officials and members analyze the gaps in community services, as well as the strengths and assets available in the barangay and develop a set of priority programs, projects and policies. While Tunol Serbisyo mainly brings together all government agencies and the delivery of various programs, projects and services closer to the people.