In the backdrop of conflict and uncertainty, a glimmer of hope emerges as the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) through the Local Government Support Fund- Support to Barangay Development Program (LGSF-SBDP) of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) leading to the road of reconciliation.

The program has funded a total of P24,000,000.00 concrete farm-to-market roads (FMRs) in the six far-flung barangays of Tapaz town in Capiz. 

Each barangay in Tapaz namely Acuña, Lahug, Katipunan, Roosevelt, San Miguel Ilawod, and Aglinab received P4,000,000.00 for the construction of their FMR. 

The LGSF-SBDP is the government’s priority program to usher development and deliver basic services to conflict-affected barangays that was lagging behind due to the terror caused by the CPP-NPA Terrorists.

The ongoing commitment of the government to construct roads provides the citizens with critical access to essentials such as food, water, medical supplies, and humanitarian relief. 

now enrolled in high school in Brgy. Katipunan, claimed that the FMR is a big help for students like him to travel in times of emergency or critical situations because they will no longer have to pass through the rough roads.

kag produkto mabudlay ang pagdala sa banwa kag indi mabaligya, (One of our requests is the concreting of roads because we all know that IP areas have a vast land, however, it is difficult for us to transport and sell our products in the town proper),” said Laluma.

He also pointed out the importance of roads, especially during emergency situations.

“Nakita namon nga ang kalsada amo gid na ang dako nga benepisyo para sa mga katawhan ilabi na gid kung ang mga kababaihan naton magbata, halos nagakapatay (We saw the benefits of road construction especially for the pregnant women who mostly died due to childbirth),” Laluma stressed.

pag may magandang access (All upland barangays need to have good access for them to be closer to the government services),” Palomar added. 

Palomar always reiterates that “where the road begins, insurgency ends.”

In addition, DILG Engineer II Lou Amiel Alasagon said concreting of three out of six barangay roads are already 100% complete while the works for the other three barangay roads are still ongoing. 

Alasagon added that there are another 23 barangays in Tapaz town that will also benefit from the LGSF-SBDP NTF-ELCAC project. 

While the establishment of concrete roads cannot guarantee the end of the insurgency, it is an important component in supporting social and economic development in remote places.

The government's strategy of building roads in rebel-infested areas is a beacon of hope and evidence of the power of infrastructure in improving the lives of the residents and establishing the framework for long-term peace and stability. (AGP/PLF/ PIA Capiz)