BUTUAN CITY -- Several identified priority projects under the Support to Barangay Development Program (SBDP) of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communists Armed Conflict RTF-ELCAC) have been turned over to the local government unit of Surigao del Sur. 

The NTF-ELCAC ensures the welfare of the Surigaonons in the Sur area, especially the indigenous peoples (IPs) in the conflict-affected areas of the said province.

These projects include 1.2 kilometer farm-to-market road; construction of school building at Sitio Simuwao, Barangay Diatagon, Lianga; local access barangay road at Barangay Buhisan, Lianga, San Agustin; construction of six-units of school sanitary toilets with septic tank; installation of solar street lights in the whole area of Barangay Pong-on, San Agustin; and road concreting from barangay proper to Purok 4 of Tagbobonga, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.

With this development, Datu Estanislao Tolentino, Jr., Indigeneous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) of Barangay Diatagon expressed his tribe's gratitude to the government.

“We heartily accept this development. These projects really suit the needs of our constituents especially for people like us who are living in the upland area. The tribe has been longing for these projects to be completed,” said Tolentino.

Mayor Novelita Sarmen of Lianga, Surigao del Sur also expressed thanks to the NTF/RTF-ELCAC. The local government unit ng Lianga, we are thankful to President Rodrigo Duterte for providing us these projects that would benefit our IPs here in Sitio Simuwao,” she said.

Meanwhile, Undersecretary Lorraine Badoy of Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) emphasized the need for everyone to unite and combat insurgency, and allow government's developmental programs and projects continue to pour in the area. 

“This coming national and local elections, let us do our part and be wise enough to vote for those candidates who really have the heart to resolve the insurgency and continue the development efforts of the Duterte administration,” she said. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)