Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah “Mina” F. Pangandaman presided over the 1st Quarter Full Council Meeting of the Joint Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (JRTF-ELCAC) in Caraga on March 13, 2025.

 

“One of the biggest wins in Mindanao is that the people themselves have spoken—ayaw na nila ng insurgency. This proves that real progress is happening, and that our people are choosing peace for good,” said Secretary Pangandaman during the meeting.

 

The discussions focused on sustaining peace, economic growth, and strengthening community development through the Local Government Support Fund – Support to the Barangay Development Program (LGSF-SBDP).

 

“As a daughter of Mindanao and a proud Maranao, seeing the progress we’re making—not just in development, but in changing mindsets—gives me so much hope. Pinapaalalahanan po tayo nito na ang tunay na pagbabago ay nagsisimula sa puso at isip ng bawat tao,” she added.

 

To promote lasting peace and development in former conflict-affected areas, the Budget Secretary reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the Support to the Barangay Development Program.

 

For Fiscal Year 2025, P1.95 billion has been allocated to fund key infrastructure projects in 780 cleared barangays, including farm-to-market roads, schools, water systems, health stations, and electrification. Of this, P430 million is earmarked for Region XIII, ensuring sustained progress in Caraga communities.

 

Based on the latest third-party evaluation by Gawad Kalinga (GK), the Support to the Barangay Development Program has significantly improved communities in the region since 2021. Paved roads have lowered transport costs for farmers, streetlights have enabled vendors to extend business hours, and new classrooms and health stations have enhanced access to education and healthcare.

 

Providing further updates, Secretary Mina announced that on February 24, 2025, the DBM issued Local Budget Circular No. 162, detailing the guidelines on the release and utilization of the LGSF-SBDP under the FY 2025 General Appropriations Act.

 

“Sabi nga po ni Pangulong Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ R. Marcos Jr. sa kanyang 2024 SONA, ‘Peace and community-building will always be our clarion call.’ Sa madaling salita, patuloy nating isusulong at bibigyang-halaga ang kapayapaan at pag-unlad ng ating mga komunidad,” stated Secretary Pangandaman.

 

###