AGUSAN DEL NORTE – In its bid to bring sustainable development and long-lasting peace. the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) led the inauguration and turnover of newly-constructed road projects on March 14, this province.
The roads were built under OPAPRU’s Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) program, the national government’s flagship peace convergence program that aims to uplift the lives of residents in conflict-vulnerable and conflict-affected areas throughout the country.
The projects, which were completed within a year after their groundbreaking, are expected to foster economic growth in Agusan del Norte and serve as concrete symbols of peace, progress and stability in the area.
In his remarks at the turnover ceremony, Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Carlito G. Galvez, Jr. emphasized that the projects go beyond physical infrastructure “as they represent the government’s unwavering mission to build bridges of hope and opportunity for all.”
“These roads are more than just a means of transport—they are paths to peace and progress. Through PAMANA, we are bringing government services closer to the people, ensuring that development reaches even the most remote and vulnerable communities,” Galvez said.
Transforming lives through convergence
The completion of the Mahaba-Belwang Farm-to-Market Road has long been anticipated by residents, particularly by indigenous communities who will largely benefit from the project by improving their mobility and access to the town center.
“Building vital infrastructure plays a critical role in community development, leading to the attainment of sustainable peace and progress,” a local resident shared, highlighting how the road will enhance people’s accessibility to government services and security.
The 1,000-meter Mahaba Road has ended the isolation of remote, hard-to-reach communities, as it will provide residents with a safer and more accessible route to schools, markets, and health centers.
An 820-meter Afga road now connects families to essential services, while significantly reducing the travel time of residents.
The 1,269.95-meter Balang-Balang Road, with a 1,023.15-meter concrete pavement and a 246.80-meter road opening, is anticipated to open windows of opportunity for farmers and small businesses by allowing them to transport their goods more efficiently.
The Kaunlaran-Masundong-Sumobay Road, with its 1,000-meter concrete pavement and 840-meter road opening, will connect once isolated communities to the poblacion and market centers.
“What used to be a hard-to-reach remote area can now be accessed with ease and convenience,” a local official noted.
“With these roads, the transport of agricultural produce from the farm to the market is made even easier, lessening the cost of transportation, increasing the profit of our farmers, and imposing a competitive price for their commodities without compromising affordability for consumers,” he added.
Infrastructure as a catalyst for peace
The impact of these road projects extends far beyond their economic benefits. They will provide a major boost to peacebuilding and security efforts as they open up once insurgent-controlled areas to increased socioeconomic activity.
“With these projects, especially the Mahaba-Belwang section, we are a step closer to realizing our goal of lasting security and peace in our hinterlands. These developments help deter insurgency and other destabilizing activities,” a military officer said.
However, stakeholders emphasize that the long-term management and sustainability of these projects depends on the support and active participation of all community members.
“The lasting impact of these projects can only be achieved if every member, office, and organization does its part by taking care of these facilities and structures. Only then can they continue serving the people for generations to come,” another local leader stressed.
The national government, through OPAPRU’s PAMANA Program, is determined to sustain the gains of peace and development through increased peace investments.
For 2025, an additional Php 370 million will be allocated under PAMANA, alongside another Php 10 million earmarked for the construction of 15 new housing units for families in conflict-affected communities.
By 2026, Php 70 million will be allocated for the construction of 100 additional housing units, while Php 90 million will fund road expansions in hard-to-reach areas nationwide.
Recognizing the critical role of education in breaking the cycle of poverty and conflict, the government has also set aside Php 2 million for its Educational Assistance Program (EAP), which will enable 40 members of indigenous people (IP) tribes to pursue a college education.
This EAP, which is being implemented by the OPAPRU in collaboration with National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), aims to provide at least one member of an IP family with college assistance.
The program seeks to equip young Filipinos with the knowledge and skills needed to secure a better future for themselves, their families and communities.
A unified commitment to peace and prosperity
The PAMANA Program is a cornerstone of the Marcos Jr. administration’s whole-of-government approach to fostering inclusive economic growth and long-lasting peace.
The government is also implementing a Sustainable Livelihood Program, a collaborative effort among various line agencies, which provides economic opportunities for former rebels and conflict-affected communities.
The Nagkaisang Agusanon Alay sa Kalinaw at Kalamboan sa Mag-uuma is a novel initiative that exemplifies the shared commitment to sustainable peace and socio-economic advancement.
“These projects are not just about infrastructure; they are about people. They symbolize our collective aspiration for a peaceful and thriving Agusan del Norte,” Galvez emphasized.
Building a better and peaceful future
Under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the government remains steadfast in its commitment to fulfilling all signed peace agreements and implementing holistic interventions that uplift the lives of Filipinos.
“All of our peace-building efforts are designed to protect lives, empower communities, and promote inclusive development. With unity and determination, we are creating a nation where peace is not just an ideal but a lived reality,” Galvez said.
Through the convergence of government efforts and the unwavering support of communities, the path to lasting peace and progress is being built — one road, one home, and one opportunity at a time.
