When deficiencies in basic services are addressed, peace and progress thrive.

This principle drives the Support to Barangay Development Program (SBDP) spearheaded by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). Through SBDP, the government seeks to sustain and build on peacebuilding efforts by enhancing basic service delivery in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) and geographically isolated conflict areas (GICAs).

This year, 780 formerly conflict-affected barangays nationwide received a total of P1.95 billion to fund community-identified priority development projects. These projects include 379 farm-to-market roads, 76 school buildings, 55 health stations, 117 water and sanitation systems, and 163 rural electrification projects.

Since 2021, the government has channeled funds into targeted infrastructure and services programs aimed at boosting peace, progress, and the improved quality of life for Filipinos in remote areas. This ongoing effort underscores President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s comprehensive approach to development and peacebuilding, empowering communities at the grassroots level.

In Brgy. Palo, Tampakan, South Cotabato, a once-used mobility corridor for the communist terrorist group (CTG) in the South Mindanao Region has been transformed into a farm-to-market road (FMR). This has resolved farmers’ challenges in transporting agricultural goods. Barangay Captain Sotero Castillanes shared, “Mas napapadali na ang pagdadala ng aming mga produkto sa pamilihan, mas mataas na ang aming kita at mas maraming mamimili na ang nakakarating sa aming lugar para bumili ng farm produce.”

In Brgy. Liboron, Catigbian, Bohol, a newly constructed health station replaces a quake-destroyed facility, significantly improving community access to health services. Municipal Officer Eng. Russel Lungay emphasized, “Naging mahalagang instrumento ito sa pagbibigay ng madaling access sa serbisyong pangkalusugan, pag-aalaga sa kalusugan ng ina at bata, at pagsasagawa ng mga community outreach tulad ng vaccination drives at medical missions.”

In Brgy. Pidpid, Sta. Cruz, Ilocos Sur, the establishment of a potable water system has brought access to clean drinking water, significantly reducing the spread of waterborne diseases. Barangay Captain Walter Juldo explained, “Naiparating sa mga kabahayan ang malinis na maiinom na tubig mula sa bukal sa bundok. Nabawasan na rin ang kaso ng diarrhea dahil naiiwasan na ang kontaminasyon sa aming inumin.”

Despite the noticeable decrease in SBDP funding allocation this year compared to the P7.5 million budget of 2024, the DILG remains unwavering in its commitment to the whole-of-nation approach to ending local insurgency, as outlined in the National Action Plan for Unity, Peace, and Development (NAP-UPD) 2025-2028.

Through SBDP, the DILG continues its pledge to foster an inclusive and sustainable peace for all by addressing the root causes of insurgency through improved basic service delivery.