THE National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) has attributed the delay in the implementation of Barangay Development Program projects to the timing of the release of funds by the Department of Budget and Management and “due diligence” being conducted by local government units (LGUs).
In a statement, NTF-ELCAC executive director Ernesto Torres said the funds needed to implement the projects were released by the DBM only last May.
Torres said LGUs, which are directly implementing these projects, are observing “due diligence,” contributing the delay.
“Due diligence is being observed by the implementing LGUs, as the funds were only released in May 2024,” said Torres.
Last week, Kabataan party-list Rep. Raoul Manuel urged Congress to defund the NTF-ELCAC, noting the task force has yet to implement a single project under the BDP this year.
Torres said despite the challenges, the projects will be completed as planned. He did not say when these projects are scheduled to be finished.
Torres said NTF-ELCAC, which is supervising the implementation of these projects, is committed to expediting the projects.
It said 885 projects, spread across 864 barangays, are to be constructed this year. These received a funding of P2.16 billion, 99 percent of which has been released to the LGUs.
Of the 885 projects, only six have actually started while the remaining 879 projects are in “various stages of procurement.”
Torres said BDP projects in 2021 and 2022 had completion rates of 92.54 percent and 98.66 percent, respectively. He did not say the completion rate for last year.
Torres said these accomplishments underscore the program’s role in “fostering development in underserved areas and its importance in sustaining peace and improving the quality of life for many Filipinos.”
BDP projects are aimed at bringing development to areas formerly affected by the communist insurgency, effectively addressing the root causes of the insurgency.
It calls for the implementation of infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects in the barangays, including farm-to-market roads, school buildings, water and sanitation systems, and health stations.
