In pursuit of peace and order in Eastern Visayas, the Peace and Development Summit cum LGSF-SBDP and RCSP/C4PEACE Regional Dialogue highlighted the achievements, improvements, and ways forward for Region 8 on February 15, 2024, at the Summit Hotel, Tacloban City.

The Peace and Development Summit is an avenue for the region to present its priority Development Thrusts for 2024 and updates on the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) and Support to the Barangay Development Program (SBDP). The summit is also an avenue for dialogue between the the Local Chief Executives, Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, National Government Agencies (NGAs), and DILG Region 8 as the stakeholders in the implementation of the programs.

On behalf of Secretary of the Interior and Local Government (SILG) Atty. Benhur Abalos, the activity was graced by Usec. Marlo Iringan and Assistant Director of the DILG Office of Project Development Services (OPDS), Rene V. Valera.

DILG Region 8 Regional Director Arnel M. Agabe recognized everyone’s presence at the summit as a manifestation that we are one in ending local communist armed conflict.

“Though we made progress, we cannot rest our laurels. We still have so much to do because our idea is not only bringing peace, but our ultimate objective is to bring development to all parts of Region 8,” said RD Agabe.

Presentations of SBDP testimonials and progress were showcased and highlighted, as were projects that were awarded to LGUs in Eastern Visayas since its implementation in 2021. On the other hand, in the RCSP progress report since 2020, the different strides taken through the Serbisyo Caravans and the gradual increase of RCSP target barangays are discussed.

A dialogue with Usec. Marlo Iringan, the Undersecretary for Local Government, was also a highlight, wherein the local government units shared their concerns, addressed issues, and shared good experiences in regards to the implementation of the RCSP and LGSF-SBDP. Agreements for each concern raised, clarification of issues, and alignment of priorities were tackled.

In his keynote message, Usec. Iringan commended DILG Region 8 and its partner agencies for taking the essential steps in striving for peace and order in Eastern Visayas.He also shared that LGUs in Eastern Visayas need to strive hard to implement programs like SBDP and RCSP.

Usec. Iringan also shared that while watching the testimonials of the individuals from the SBDP recipient barangays, he felt that we are moving in the right direction with the implementation of these projects and realizing the dream of our communities.

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