PHP 78.9 million projects boost peace, livelihoods in Cadiz

CADIZ CITY, Negros Occidental — More than 5,000 residents in two barangays and 73 former members of the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawang Pilipino/Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Bongcayao Brigade-Tabara Paduano Group (RPMP/RPA/ABB-TPG) are set to benefit from PHP 78.9 million worth of peace and development projects in Cadiz City.

The former members later joined Kapatiran para sa Progresibong Panlipunan, or Kapatiran, as part of peace and reconciliation efforts.

Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento led the turnover ceremony Friday at the Cadiz City Arena.

He was joined by Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr., 2nd District Rep. Alfredo Marañon III, Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson and Maria Veronica “Ka Inca” Tabara, co-chair of the Joint Enforcement and Monitoring Committee.

The projects were implemented under the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) program, which supports peace and development initiatives in conflict-affected and vulnerable communities.

The package includes PHP 26 million worth of concrete roads, grouted riprap and storm drainage systems connecting Barangay Celestino Villacin proper to Sitio 19A.

Another PHP 30 million funded a concrete road linking Barangay V.F. Gustilo, or Sewahon 3, to Sitio Alimatoc in Barangay Celestino Villacin.

A PHP 20 million concrete road was also built from Sitio Tangili to Sitio Huebesan in Barangay Celestino Villacin.

The package also includes a PHP 2.9 million Kapatiran Multi-Purpose Center in Sitio Huebesan.

In a media interview after the ceremony, Sarmiento said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had directed OPAPRU to work closely with local government units, strengthen reconciliation efforts and prioritize the socioeconomic development of communities.

He emphasized that government peace initiatives should go beyond infrastructure development and improve people’s lives alongside the construction of roads.

“Our battle cry is not just about creating roads, but also shared values. Kapag gumaganda ang mga kalsada, gumaganda din dapat ang buhay ng mamamayan,” Sarmiento said.

He also called on local governments and national agencies to work together in advancing community development and sustaining peace.

Cadiz City is the second local government unit in northern Negros Occidental to have a Kapatiran Multi-Purpose Center, following San Carlos City.

Escalante said the projects would improve transportation access and open more opportunities for rural and upland development.

“While we secure peaceful communities for our former rebel friends, we also introduce rural and upland developments for them to thrive via peace and economic gains,” Escalante said.

He stressed that the initiatives would benefit not only former rebels but also the broader community.

“This is a big impact in the communities. It’s not just about giving hope to former rebels but the people in the barangays,” he added.

Escalante thanked Marcos and Sarmiento for selecting Cadiz City as a recipient of the projects, saying the initiatives would contribute to sustainable peace, improved security and rural development.

The mayor also highlighted the benefits of improved road access for farmers, particularly in transporting agricultural produce.

“The OPAPRU projects are a blessing that will provide farmers with easy access to transport their harvest. That’s how important and meaningful this program is,” he said.

Escalante said the city government aims to complete the projects before the end of the year, although some remaining work may extend into next year.

Marañon, meanwhile, underscored the importance of the projects to local communities, particularly amid rising fuel prices that have increased transportation costs.

Lacson said the infrastructure projects represent more than physical improvements because better roads can improve mobility, expand economic opportunities and make it easier for farmers to bring their produce to market.

He urged beneficiaries and residents to protect and maintain the facilities, emphasizing their role in improving livelihoods and creating opportunities for future generations.

Barangay V.F. Gustilo Captain Arnel Legaspi also thanked the national and local governments for improving road access in their community.

Legaspi said traveling to the city proper previously took residents two to four hours.

With the newly concreted road, travel time has been reduced to about 30 to 45 minutes.

“This is a big help especially to local farmers and we are very grateful,” he said.

Barangay Celestino Villacin Councilor Rolando Artaja likewise welcomed the projects, describing improved infrastructure as a necessity for residents.

Tabara also expressed support for the initiatives and recalled the challenges Kapatiran members faced in pursuing peace and reconciliation.

“Hindi po naging madali ang landas na tinahak ng Kapatiran para sa kapayapaan. Nanindigan kami na pumasok sa usaping kapayapaan at nakita namin na may kaunlaran kung tayo po ay magtutulungan,” she said.