OPAPRU, 78 localities ink deal for peace, development projects

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) and 78 local government units signed a memorandum of agreement last August 22 for the implementation of 138 peace and development projects through Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) Program.

PAMANA, the government’s flagship program for peace-building and rehabilitation of conflict-affected communities, will fund the said projects for P3.7 billion. 

“This agreement is not about personalities, it is about people, and about results,” said Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Secretary Carlito G. Galvez, Jr. in a statement. “The PAMANA program belongs to the Filipino people. It is their roads, their water systems, their livelihoods, and their future.”

In the past years, the PAMANA Program has helped several LGUs rehabilitate and develop their towns. 

Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro Mayor Ferdinand Maliwanag expressed gratitude for the farm-to-market road in Barangay Panaytayan, which was funded by the PAMANA Program, amounting to P60 million. 

“Napakalaking pagbabago para sa aking mga kababayang Mangyan. Yung mga kalakal, dati po anim na oras binababa, ngayon ay mas mabilis na,” said Maliwanag. 

Likewise, Balindong, Lanao del Sur Mayor Amer-Reggie Bagul said that a fish landing facility and the water system project were built in Barangay Nusa through PAMANA. 

“These projects are made possible through the support of the government. Implementation of these projects will not only symbolize the commitment of the national and local government, but also signify recognition and appreciation of our national security,” he said. 

Galvez said that all PAMANA projects will undergo strict monitoring and transparent reporting using accountability mechanisms in partnership with LGUs.

“We recognize that the government must earn trust every single day,” he said. “Our commitment is to deliver results that speak louder than words, and to ensure these projects uplift lives across generations.” –NB, GMA Integrated News