Santo Tomas LGU to start P40-M BDP project in 2 former conflict areas

Evangelista in a statement on Monday said barangays are part of his commitment to empower conflict-stricken communities and bring sustainable rehabilitation and development. 

“Kini namugna tungod sa paningkamot sa atong gobyerno ug sa komunidad mismo para atong madala ang mga serbisyo ug proyekto sa atong LGU diha sa mga remote na barangays (The projects were made possible because of the hard work of the government and the community as well that we can bring our projects and services to remote areas),” he said.

The mayor said, Barangay San Jose and Magwawa, categorized as geographically isolated, disadvantaged, and conflict-affected areas (GIDAS), were declared to have been “cleared” of communist rebels. 

Evangelista said he wants the fund to be used in rehabilitation and development projects identified by the residents of the two villages. 

“Ang naka-nindot aning BDP kay ang mga residente mismo ang nag-identify sa kung unsa na projects ang dapat mapunduhan para sa maong komunidad (The good with BDP is, the residents are the ones who can identify what projects should be funded)," he said. 

𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁

The P40 million projects include Barangay San Jose - Road opening and concreting at Purok 6 with P20 million budget. Barangay Magwawa- Road opening and concreting at Purok 7 Sitio Balulao with P17 million budget. Construction of Level III Potable water system at Purok 6 with P3 million budget.

Evangelista is hopeful that these projects proposed under his administration would bring a multitude of benefits to the community members and the whole municipality of Santo Tomas. 

For her part, Municipal Administrator lawyer Elisa Evangelista thanked the leadership of barangay captains, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) for their concerted efforts and support in helping the town’s vulnerable communities. 

She said the Evangelista administration will continue to empower more communities and ensure the implementation of a “people-centered” agenda towards accomplishing more projects under the principle of “good governance.” (Armando Fenequito)