More socio-economic programs are lined up in the Cordillera, according to the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (Opapru).
Secretary Carlito Galvez, Jr. said the Opapru is dedicated to ensuring to bring socio-economic development programs, especially to conflict-affected and far-flung areas in the region under the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (Pamana) program.
He said there is a P711,548,300 allocation for the Cordillera from its 2024 budget, which comprises education assistance, health insurance, livelihood, roads and bridge projects.
During his speech at the 37th Mt. Data sipat (peace accord) commemoration, he cited Mountain Province and Kalinga for inclusion in the budget for their diversion roads and bridges, which were destroyed during the past typhoons and earthquakes.
The two provinces were also the main supporters of the sipat commemoration and provinces also continue to partner with the Opapru in their various projects.
The other provinces such as Abra and Apayao would also be given projects depending on their socio-economic needs.
One of the programs being implemented by the Opapru is through its Special Educational Assistance Program in partnership with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples that provides scholars to children and kins of former Cordillera Bodong Association-Cordillera Peoples Liberation Army members in the region.
The Pamana was launched in 2011 as a priority program of the national government aimed at supporting the peace negotiation track and contribute to the goal of attaining just and lasting peace. – Ofelia C. Empian
