P455-M PAMANA projects seen to improve roads, water, housing in Agusan Norte
By Nora L. Molde
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The national government has rolled out P455 million worth of infrastructure projects under the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) Program to improve road connectivity, potable water supply, and housing for upland and conflict-affected communities in Agusan del Norte.
The projects were launched on February 27 by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) in partnership with the provincial government and local government units.
Funded under the 2025 General Appropriations Act, the development package includes seven farm-to-market roads with bridges, three Level II potable water systems, and two housing projects that will benefit farmers, remote households, and vulnerable families.
The infrastructure projects will be implemented in Cabadbaran City and the municipalities of Remedios T. Romualdez, Buenavista, and Carmen.
Among the major projects are the upgrading of road corridors in Pirada-Payas, Mahaba-Belwang, Kaunlaran-Masundong-Sumubay, Balang-Balang-San Antonio-Kaunlaran, Vinapor-Calabcabon-Gosoon, Sitio Calcalon-Sitio Sampinit, and Afga-Sitio Linao-Linao, which are expected to improve farmers’ access to markets and make it easier for residents to reach essential services.
The program also includes installing Level II potable water systems in Sitio Lekda, Sitio Linao-Linao, and Barangay Manoligao, ensuring a safe and reliable water supply for households in remote communities.
Meanwhile, housing projects will be established in Barangay Del Pilar in Cabadbaran City and Barangay Talo-Ao in Buenavista to provide permanent homes for former rebels, supporting the government’s peacebuilding and reintegration efforts.
During the launching ceremony, Carlito G. Galvez Jr., presidential adviser on peace, reconciliation, and unity, emphasized the importance of implementing the project responsibly to ensure continued national government support.
“Kung hindi maayos ang implementasyon ng local government, hindi rin namin maipagpapatuloy ang pagbibigay ng mga proyekto, kahit gaano pa kaganda ang plano (If local governments do not properly implement the projects, we will not be able to continue providing them, no matter how good the plans are),” Galvez said.
Sec. Galvez added that the infrastructure projects form part of the national government’s Whole-of-Nation Approach under Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to bring development and essential services to geographically isolated and conflict-affected communities.
“Dati sinasabi: ‘Where the road ends, insurgency begins.’ Ngayon iba na – ‘where the road ends, another road begins,’” he said, noting that improved infrastructure helps sustain peace and development in local communities.
For her part, Maria Angelica Rosedell Amante, governor of Agusan del Norte, expressed gratitude to OPAPRU for supporting the province’s development initiatives.
“Without OPAPRU, many of our plans would not have been possible,” Amante said.
Governor Amante assured residents that the provincial government will ensure the projects are implemented efficiently and that communities will benefit from the funds allocated.
“Dili nato sayangon ang pondo. Siguraduhon nato nga makabenepisyo gyud ang katawhan (We will not waste the funds. We will make sure that the people will truly benefit from them),” she added.
Meanwhile, Judy Chin Amante, mayor of Cabadbaran City, highlighted the significance of the projects in improving residents’ quality of life, particularly for those living in remote barangays. “This is not just about laying out projects. It is about laying down dreams and building the foundation for a better future,” she said.
According to Mayor Amante, improved road access, water supply systems, and housing programs will open more opportunities for communities while strengthening public trust in government services.
With the implementation of the PAMANA projects, farmers are expected to transport their produce more quickly, health workers will have safer access to upland communities, and families in remote areas will have improved access to clean water and permanent housing.
The initiative is part of the government’s ongoing effort to sustain peace and development in communities previously affected by insurgency and limited access to infrastructure.
Through these investments, the national and local governments aim to expand economic opportunities, improve service delivery, and enhance the overall quality of life of Agusanons. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte, with a report from the Provincial Government of Agusan del Norte)