PORAC, Pampanga (PIA) -- Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) signed a Partnership Agreement with the municipal government of Porac in Pampanga and Philippine Business for Social Progress for the construction of various facilities for Indigenous families in barangay Sapang Uwak.
 
The agreement was crafted to establish the obligations of the parties involved, the implementation of the project, and the time frame to efficiently reach the desired outcome which is the completion of 60 housing units, a barangay hall, and a community cultural center.
 
“This community development initiative will aid in the construction of much-needed homes for indigenous peoples (IPs) living in high-risk zones,” NOLCOM Commander Lt. Gen. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr. said.
 
Materials and budget for the Sapang Uwak Housing Project will come from pledges and donations of various stakeholders. 
 
The 522nd Engineer Construction Battalion, an army engineer unit under the operational control of NOLCOM, will be leading the project in terms of manpower and technical expertise with the support of the municipal government of Porac.  
 
“By our collaboration, we will make housing more accessible to our IPs in barangay Sapang Uwak while integrating creative programs, and assistance that will improve the quality of their living condition,” Burgos added.
 
With IPs being among the most vulnerable sector of the society from the exploits of communist terrorists, NOLCOM has initiated various capacity-building programs that aim to create an environment of inclusivity with the tribal sectors in Northern and Central Luzon.
 
It has partnered with National Commission on Indigenous Peoples for the creation of NOLCOM’s IP Affairs Desk on January 11 to efficiently address the issues of the IPs that might be exploited by communist terrorists and their front organizations.
 
Additionally, a Tribal Chieftains Summit was also conducted last March 20, and an IP- Youth Leadership Summit on July 30, all orchestrated to strengthen the culture of peace and inclusive development among IPs. (CLJD-PIA 3)