DOE, RTF-ELCAC turn over solar lamps to remote Agusan Sur barangay
By Kelvin Kennt R. Generalo
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur (PIA) —The Caraga Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC), together with the Department of Energy (DOE), distributed boxes of solar LED lanterns with rechargeable flashlights and AM/FM radio units to the barangay local government unit of San Mariano, Loreto, Agusan del Sur on August 19.
Under the DOE’s program on Poverty Alleviation through Social Intervention and Government Assistance (PASIGA) Project, it provided energization to former rebels (FRs) in identified conflict-prone and conflict-affected areas, as well as temporary lighting and access to information for households severely affected by calamities.
The PASIGA Project also serves as a primary support to rebel returnees as an emergency response mechanism for communities without electricity, especially those hit by disasters.
Julito Bugto, one of the many beneficiaries of the solar LED lanterns, expressed gratitude to DOE and the members of the Caeaga RTF-ELCAC for personally visiting their barangay. “We are thankful to DOE and the members of the Caraga RTF-ELCAC for coming here to San Mariano, Loreto, Agusan del Sur and for bringing this project, along with your continuous support, which contributed to the improvement of our barangay that was once considered a conflict-prone area.”
“We assure you of our full cooperation in supporting the peace initiatives of the government. Together, we move forward as one community in promoting lasting peace and progress,” he said.
Aside from the solar lanterns, member agencies also turned over additional assistance to the community such as:
- Department
of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga formally handed over
educational books donated by the Bato Balani Foundation and pairs of
footwear to the BLGU to support students’ learning and welfare;
- Department
of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) distributed fruit-bearing tree
seedlings such as rambutan, durian, and mangosteen;
- Department
of Agriculture (DA) gave vegetable seeds for backyard farming;
- Office of the Civil Defense
(OCD) contributed additional solar LED lanterns.
DILG Caraga Director Maria Loisella E. Lucino lauded the joint efforts of the RTF-ELCAC members in bringing government services closer to the people.
“All member agencies of the Caraga RTF-ELCAC are working hand-in-hand to deliver significant projects, especially in conflict-prone areas,” she said. “We are here to let you feel that the government truly cares and is present in your community.
“This activity reflects the sincere and united service of all government agencies. To attain lasting peace, we call on everyone—not just the government, but every citizen to cooperate and work together in realizing the peace and development that we are all striving for,” she added.
The turnover of solar LED lanterns and other essential items to Barangay San Mariano in Loreto town highlighted the government’s whole-of-nation approach to peacebuilding, ensuring that conflict-prone barangays and communities in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) are not left behind in the pursuit of peace and development. (KKRG, PIA Agusan del Sur)
