The Central Luzon Regional Project Monitoring Committee recently conducted an inspection of the Capas-Botolan Road Project, a major infrastructure initiative that aims to improve trade flow and connectivity between Tarlac and Zambales in the Philippines. The project, which was initiated by the Department of Public Works and Highways in 2013, is currently 48% complete in Tarlac and 72% complete in Zambales. It is expected to be finished by 2029 and has been funded with 4.7 billion pesos from the General Appropriations Act. This inspection provides valuable insights into the progress of the project and highlights the commitment of the government to enhance transportation infrastructure in Central Luzon [73eee6b1].
Meanwhile, in Cotabato, the provincial government has allocated PHP 173 million for 24 infrastructure projects in remote barangays. These projects, including farm-to-market roads and bridges, are designed to drive investment and improve daily life, especially for former Moro rebels turned farmers. The initiative is a significant step towards fostering rural development, peace, and stability in the region. The projects are funded by the Economic Development Fund and the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund. They include anti-flood concrete box culverts, overflow river bridges, farm-to-market roads, multi-purpose buildings, and barangay halls. The construction of farm-to-market roads and multi-purpose buildings aims to support the endeavors of former Moro rebels who have embraced peace and now strive to cultivate a life of dignity through agriculture. The Cotabato provincial government has enlisted the support of local communities and the Army's 6th Infantry Division to ensure the success and protection of the projects. The collaboration aims to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility among the residents and enhance the projects' sustainability. The projects are expected to transform Cotabato into a bastion of progress and stability, promoting economic development and peace building [a8b7c91a].
In Bohol, the Bohol Provincial Police Office (BPPO) has implemented the “Libreng Alagad ug Balay” (LAB) project, which aims to provide free houses to deserving families. The latest beneficiary of the LAB project is the Villareal family in Antequera, Bohol. The newly constructed house was turned over to the family by Bohol Governor Aris Aumentado in Barangay Can-omay. This is the 16th house constructed under the LAB project, which has been supported by Governor Aumentado and his wife, Bohol Rep. Vanessa Aumentado. The couple has been using their personal resources to fund the construction of new houses for chosen beneficiaries. Governor Aumentado expressed his commitment to continue supporting the LAB project and providing decent dwellings for deserving Boholanos [aa86e9da].
In addition to these infrastructure and housing initiatives, NLEX Corporation, in collaboration with the Philippine National Police Region 3 and Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (JJWC), has initiated a training program called Barangay Security Watch. The program aims to capacitate barangay leaders with knowledge and skills in maintaining peace and order in their areas. The program includes an assembly of leaders and officials, skills enhancement workshop for the barangay police, and production of road safety campaign materials. Representatives from local government units and barangay leaders attended the assembly. Road safety and possible causes of stoning incidents were discussed, and action plans were drafted. At least 80 barangay police underwent training on legal implications related to stoning and other torts, self-defense, arresting techniques, handling of children at risk, and proper filing of blotter. NLEX Corporation is committed to promoting road safety awareness through its Mission Road Safety Program, which includes the Barangay Security Watch initiative [9cd0fc3a].
Project Paglingap and Zambales Ecological Network organized meetings with the AFP Center for Law of Armed Conflict (AFPCLOAC) and the Human Rights Affairs Office of the Philippine National Police (PNP-HRAO) on June 27, 2024. The meetings aimed to introduce Project Paglingap as a civil society initiative that promotes 'protective care' for environmental human rights defenders (EHRDs) and secure protective support from authorities. EHRDs raised security concerns related to sand dredging activities in Zambales, authorized by the provincial government under the Department Administrative Order 2019-13. The dredging operations have extended beyond the river dredging zones, affecting the livelihood, health, safety, and well-being of residents. The activities have also threatened the corals and habitat of endangered species. The military and police officers affirmed their mandate to protect the rights of civilians and assured that they do not practice red-tagging. The recent Supreme Court decision declared red-tagging as a threat to one's right to life, liberty, or security. The officers provided guidance on reporting human rights violations and the actions that can be taken against violators [4e048ee4].