Executive Order (EO) No. 70, s. 2018 recognizes the need to reframe and refocus the government policy for achieving inclusive and sustainable peace by recognizing that insurgencies, internal disturbance and tensions, and armed conflicts and threats are not only military and security concerns but symptomatic of broader social, economic, and historical problems.
To address the root cause of insurgency and other armed conflicts, there is a need to prioritize and harmonize the delivery of basic services and social delivery packages by the government and, at the same time, facilitate societal inclusivity and ensure active participation of the different sector of the society in the pursuit of sustainable peace and prosperity.
One of the strategies being implemented to address development gaps is the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP), which is a convergence mechanism for local governments, particularly at the barangay level, for the identification of issues and needed government interventions. It is anchored on the empowerment framework that intends to develop people’s capability to organize themselves and implement their own programs and projects by bringing about value chain interventions to uplift their current condition.
Retooled Community Support Program Addresses Conflict and Poverty in Quezon Province
Municipality of Mulanay in Quezon Province implements the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) to address challenges in nine conflict-affected barangays: Anonang, Amuguis, Burgos, Bolo, Buenavista, Bagupaye, Latangan, Mabini, and Magsaysay.
One of the outputs of the RCSP process is the enhancement of Barangay Development Plans which identifies the priority projects/programs to address the existing issues and development gaps at the barangay level. Priority projects identified by the barangays during RCSP will be funded under the LGSF-SBDP of the NTF-ELCAC.
The RCSP identified poverty and economic disparity as the primary concerns in these barangays. The program proposes the rehabilitation and concreting of farm-to-market roads as a solution, directly linked to the economic well-being of each barangay.
Expected Benefits:
- Economic Boost: Improved farm-to-market roads will ease crop transportation for farmers, leading to higher incomes and increased economic activity within the barangays. This can contribute to poverty reduction and improve the quality of life for residents.
- Peacebuilding: Constructing and maintaining these roads can symbolize peace and cooperation. It can foster connections between people from different backgrounds, promoting peacebuilding and reconciliation efforts.
- Enhanced Security: Concrete roads provide easier access for security personnel to patrol the areas, ensuring better security for residents and potentially reducing crime and violence.
The RCSP’s initiative highlights the importance of infrastructure development in addressing conflict and economic disparity in rural communities. By improving transportation networks, the program aims to create a more stable and prosperous future for the barangays of Mulanay Municipality.
