Military abolishes development arm

MANILA, Philippines - The military yesterday abolished the National Development Support Command (NADESCOM), a unit that forged partnerships with private groups to implement humanitarian and infrastructure projects in far-flung areas.

Military sources said a transition plan is being prepared to ensure a smooth turnover of the functions of NADESCOM, founded in 2006 and was the military’s development arm.

The abolition of the NADESCOM is in line with the Department of National Defense (DND) Defense Planning Guidance for 2013 to 2018, which seeks to ensure the efficient use of the military’s limited resources.

The deactivation of NADESCOM came as the military is implementing security plan Bayanihan, which focuses on development projects designed to curb the roots of insurgency.

The Defense Planning Guidance, a copy of which was obtained by The STAR, provided that NADESCOM would be abolished upon the retirement of its incumbent commander.

Maj. Gen. Carlos Holganza, the last chief of NADESCOM and a graduate of Philippine Military Academy Class ‘78, retired from the service yesterday.

Unified commands and field units are expected to take over the projects left by NADESCOM. The officers and personnel assigned to NADESCOM will be distributed to other military units.

NADESCOM personnel were seen packing their things from their office in Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City. The unit’s vehicles have also been recalled.

During the incumbency of the Arroyo administration, NADESCOM was given P1 billion to implement projects under the Kalayaan sa Barangay Program. The KBP consists of various development projects intended to curb armed rebellion.

Last year, the Aquino administration abolished the KBP, which some observers claimed had been associated with the previous regime.

In his budget message for 2011, President Aquino said the funding for KBP had been stopped since it “no longer delivered its intended outcomes.”

KBP has been replaced by the Pamana program, which is being managed by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process. NADESCOM did not handle the Pamana funds but were tasked to assist in undertaking the projects.

Sources said the absence of funds had prompted NADESCOM to form partnerships with private donors to ensure that its projects are continued.

The military has completed more than 1,800 development projects in far-flung areas since 2005. These projects include school buildings, farm to market roads, health centers, barangay water systems and rural electrification projects.

NADESCOM completed a total of 98 projects last year.