LAS NAVAS, Northern Samar – The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Northern Samar, in collaboration with the Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC), recently spearheaded the ceremonial turnover of essential infrastructure projects in Barangay Magsaysay, Las Navas, Northern Samar on Tuesday, March 6, 2024.
The turnover marked the completion and handover of a 1-storey Barangay Health Station and a 1-classroom School Building, initiatives funded under the Support to Barangay Development Program (SBDP) for Fiscal Year 2021. These projects, with a total allocation of approximately PhP 4 million, signify a significant stride towards sustainable rehabilitation and development in conflict-affected communities like Barangay Magsaysay.
Expressing her heartfelt gratitude, Barangay Chairperson Ma. Daisy E. Durin remarked, “The program has been instrumental in realizing our shared vision of enhancing healthcare services and improving educational facilities for our community’s children.”
During his address, Lt. Col. Richard P. Villaflor, Acting Commanding Officer of the 20th Infantry (We Lead) Battalion, commended the collaborative efforts of stakeholders in fostering inclusive progress in Las Navas. “Ang health station at school building ay hindi lamang mga simbolo ng pag-unlad; sila ay nagpapatunay ng ating kakayahan na baguhin ang ating kapalaran at paglingkuran ang isa’t isa. Sa pamamagitan ng edukasyon at kalusugan, patuloy nating binubuo ang pundasyon ng isang mas magandang kinabukasan,” Villaflor said.
Lt. Col. Villaflor reiterated the unwavering commitment of the 20IB to serve and support the people of the Second District of Northern Samar. “Sama-sama nating wakasan ang insurhensiya at itaguyod ang kapayapaan at kaunlaran sa ating komunidad. Ipagpatuloy natin ang ang pagpupursige upang hindi na makabalik sa ating barangay ang anumang banta ng mga Komunistang Teroristang Grupo. Sa ganitong pamamaraan, makakamit natin ang mas magandang kinabukasan para sa ating mga mahal sa buhay at sa susunod pang mga henerasyon,” he added.
Highlighting the crucial roles of the Barangay Council, Barangay Health Workers, and Day Care Workers, DILG-NSPO Program Manager Eduardo Diaz stressed the importance of preserving and utilizing the facilities effectively. He encouraged all residents to remain vigilant and actively support government-led peace and development initiatives.
The turnover ceremony was led by Mr. Eduardo Diaz, Project Manager, DILG-Northern Samar, along with representatives from the Project Development Monitoring Unit, Mr. Noriel L. Tan representing Hon. Arlito A. Tan, Municipal Mayor and MTF-ELCAC Chairman of Las Navas, and Ms. Rosalinda S. Jarito, MLGOO.
In attendance were various MTF-ELCAC member-agencies including the 20th Infantry (We Lead) Battalion, Municipal Engineering Office, Municipal Health Office, Our Lady of Nativity Parish, teachers, students of Magsaysay Elementary School, and the entire Magsaysay Community led by Hon. Ma. Daisy E. Durin, Barangay Chairman.
Las Navas is expected to inaugurate seven additional completed projects under the FY 2022 SBDP across five barangays. With a total grant of PhP 24 million, these projects include farm-to-market roads, water supply systems, school buildings, health stations, and rural electrification. The government’s Whole-of-Nation Approach aims to unite various sectors in addressing insurgency issues and achieving sustainable peace and development.
