NTF-ELCAC recommends 280 barangays for BDP to improve quality of life

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) recommended to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday, March 26, that 280 barangays cleared of influence and threat from local terrorist groups be included in the Barangay Development Program (BDP).

Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr., executive director of NTF-ELCAC, said these targeted barangays are located in Zamboanga City, Sulu, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Sur, and Basilan.

The BDP aims to improve the quality of life for residents in conflict-prone areas by implementing socio-economic interventions such as farm-to-market roads, schools, health stations, and livelihood sources.

Communities freed from extremist groups like Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), Dawlah Islamiyah (DI), and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) should also be supported to prevent residents from joining these groups.

Torres said Sulu, Lanao del Sur, and Zamboanga City will first benefit from the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) in 2026 before being included in the BDP in 2027, while Maguindanao del Sur and Basilan will follow suit in 2027 and 2028 respectively.