More than 16 million Filipinos in former conflict-affected communities have benefited from P44.9 billion worth of government development projects under the Barangay Development Program (BDP), the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-Elcac) reported.
In a news release on Thursday, the task force said the program covers 5,638 barangays previously affected by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).
Implemented from 2021 to 2026, the initiative aims to improve access to basic services and create better opportunities for residents in communities once affected by insurgency.
P8.08 Billion Set for 2026 Projects
Around P8.08 billion has been allocated this year for projects in more than 800 insurgency-cleared barangays.
The program supports Executive Order No. 70, signed in December 2018, which adopted a whole-of-nation approach to addressing local communist armed conflict through security operations, development initiatives, good governance, and community participation.
Projects focus on essential services, including roads, classrooms, electricity, clean water, and health facilities, particularly in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.
Thousands of Infrastructure Projects Delivered
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) data as of Oct. 13, 2026, showed that the program has delivered 1,592.85 kilometers of farm-to-market roads, 964 classrooms, and 23,763 streetlights.
It has also provided 1,178 water and sanitation systems, 9,343 electrification projects, and 551 health and medical stations through the Local Government Support Fund–Support to the BDP.
NTF-Elcac said the 5,638 BDP beneficiary barangays, together with 33,381 barangays covered by Stable Internal Peace and Security declarations, demonstrate the reach of government development efforts and the broader push for peace and stability nationwide.
Officials Commend Response to Maguindanao Clashes
Separately, Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento praised the military, police, and joint government-Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace mechanisms for their response to a firefight in Sultan sa Barongis, Maguindanao del Sur.
The clash erupted late in the morning of Oct. 8 in Sitio Libal and Barangays Kulambog and Papakan. Sarmiento commended the coordinated efforts that brought the armed encounter to an end.
