FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija — The Deputy Director General for Operations of the National Security Council Secretariat, Undersecretary Vicente M. Agdamag presided the inauguration of infrastructure projects funded under the Support to Barangay Development Program (SBDP) 2021 in Barangay Nagbettedan, Sto Domingo, Ilocos Sur and Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) awarding to 12 former rebels at Barangay Nagbettedan, Sto Domingo, Ilocos Sur on May 24, 2022.
According to MGen Andrew Costelo PA, Commander of 7th Infantry (KAUGNAY) Division, Philippine Army the projects under the SDBP were 1.4KM farm-to-market road and a single-classroom school building for the pupils of Nagbettedan Elementary School.
“These SBDP projects were intended to address the issues in the CTG-affected community in the countryside. Let us join together and support the government in its programs to attain inclusive inclusive peace and development,” said Costelo.
During the program, Mr. Randy S. Dela Rosa, Provincial Director DILG-Ilocos Sur awarded the financial assistance to 12 FRs. Said FRs were former members of the Komiteng Larangang Gerilya South Ilocos Sur (KLG-SIS) and Milisyang Bayan members utilized by KLG-SIS.
USEC Agdamag, on behalf of Secretary Esperon, expressed his gratitude to the residents of barangay Nagbettedan for their support to the NTF-ELCAC.
Moreover, he also acknowledged the FRs for their cooperation shown to the government in achieving peace and for letting the government prove its sincerity especially to those who chose to return to the folds of the law and start their lives anew.
Hon. Efren Pigao, Barangay Chairman of Nagbettedan expressed his gratitude to the NTF-ELCAC and the government for choosing his barangay to be funded by the SBDP.
“Ang aming barangay ay lubos na nagpapasalamat sa NTF-ELCAC, Philippine Army at sa ating gobyerno sa labis na tulong na kanilang ibinabahagi sa aming barangay. Hindi kami makapaniwala na nagkaroon ng sementadong kalsada at bagong school building dito sa aming barangay. Iba’t-ibang ahensya pa ng gobyerno ang pumupunta dito sa amin para mabigyan kami ng tulong tulad ng TESDA, DTI, at marami pang iba. Totoo ang adhikain ng NTF ELCAC at ng ating mahal na gobyerno. Maraming salamat po,” said Hon. Pigao.
Meanwhile, alias Henry, one of the FRs is grateful to the NTF-ELCAC for giving him an opportunity to lay down his arms and become a responsible and productive citizen of our country. He further encouraged his remaining comrades to return to the folds of the law as the government is sincere in helping them start their lives peacefully.
“Maraming salamat po sa lahat ng ibinibigay na supporta ng gobyerno sa aming mga nagbabalik-loob. Hindi po kami nagkamali na bumaba at lisanin ang armadong pakikibaka. Totoo po ang ECLIP at iba pang mga proyekto na ibinibigay ng iba’t-ibang ahensya ng gobyerno sa amin. Nabigyan na rin po kami ng mga pangkabuhayan na pang-umpisa ng aming pagbabagong-buhay. Kaya sa mga kapatid naming patuloy na naloloko ng maling paniniwala, hindi pa po huli ang lahat. Wag kayo sanang matakot na magbalik-loob dahil ang kasundaluhan ng Philippine Army at ang totoong gobyerno natin ay may totoong malasakit sa atin,” said alias Henry.
