P1.8 billion released to fight poverty in strife-torn areas

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang has released P1.8 billion to fund projects for poverty reduction in areas affected by armed conflict, Budget Secretary Florencio Abad said yesterday.

The funds will be released under the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) program as part of the P72-billion disbursement acceleration plan approved recently by the administration to support economic growth in the last quarter of 2011.

“We are committed to bring all armed conflict to a permanent and peaceful end. One track is through the negotiating table, and the other is to implement targeted interventions to address the root cause and exacerbating factor of conflict: poverty,” he said.

The funds will cover various programs, including support for peace and development of communities with the Moro National Liberation Front; reintegration program for former Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army rebels; and livelihood assistance, community infrastructure and production support under the peace agreement with the Cordillera People’s Liberation Army.

It will also support community infrastructure projects such as farm-to-market roads, potable water systems, solar dryers, access infrastructure, health centers, multi-purpose halls, as well as livelihood, agriculture, and sanitation support for communities covered by the PAMANA program.

PAMANA is the government’s flagship program for peace and development in 218 municipalities in 43 provinces affected by armed conflict.

It seeks to promote community resilience by reducing poverty and improving governance in the covered areas.

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) implements the program in collaboration with national government agencies, local government units and development partners such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Bangsamoro Development Agency and the ARMM regional government.

In June, the government allocated P525.7 million for PAMANA. A budget of P1.9 billion is proposed for the program for 2012.