Electrification, road rehabilitation, and lack of livelihood are among the issues exploited by the insurgents to arouse the locals in the said sitio and organize them into mass supporters or underground mass organizations of the CPP-NPA.
Said issues are identified by the Community Support Program (CSP) teams of the 71IB under the leadership of LTC Sonny E Gonzales.
Community Support Program or CSP is launched by the 71IB, as a people-centric approach, to counter the insurgency through community development and empowerment.
CSP connects geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas and conflict-affected areas to the government for better access to basic services.
Solar panels installed in sitio Singapore benefited the 47 households who are members of the Barangay Singapore Farmers Association (BaSiFa).
Said alternative electrification was sponsored by the Lucio Tan Group of Companies and it’s affiliate Philip Morris and Fortune Tobacco Corporation Incorporated (PMFTCI), through its Embrace program implemented by Jaime V. Ongpin Foundation, Office of the Congressman Ruwell Peter Gonzaga, LGU Mabini, and BLGU Anitapan.
On the other hand, personnel from the Technical Education and Skill Development Authority (TESDA) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) provided the locals with an overview of the programs and services of their respective agencies.
The DA gave the residents seedlings of red beans, adlay rice, and lettuce.
They also received food packs from Caritas Manila charity-Mabini Chapter led by Sir Emerson Luego. Kids in the said sitio were also entertained by the Kiwanis International Tagum Chapter where they received food and toys.
Residents expressed gratitude to the NGA, LGU, Office of the congressman, NGO, the 71IB, and other peace stakeholders who are instrumental to the development of the special barangay of Sitio Singapore.
The convergence of efforts of the stakeholders was made easier as the provincial government of Davao de Oro headed by Hon Jayvee Tyron Uy started the road rehabilitation going to Sitio Singapore.
Hon Ruwell Peter S Gonzaga, Congressman of the 2nd District of Davao de Oro, during his dialogue with the residents, said "we as the face of the government, will always strive to deliver to you the services you so deserve".
LTC Sonny Gonzales, Commanding Officer of the 71IB has also emphasized that a community must be peaceful for development to take place.
"But peace and order is not just a concern of the military but a shared responsibility. Thus, everyone must take part in attaining the genuine and lasting peace," he said.
The 71IB continues to find areas which are less served and make it peaceful and development-ready communities.
Source: Civil-Military Operations Office, 71st Infantry Battalion, 7th Infantry Division, PA
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