MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is set to implement its Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) in 86 barangays across Misamis Occidental this year, bringing government services and development funds to vulnerable or previously conflict-affected communities.

Pablio L. Benitez Jr., DILG Misamis Occidental provincial director, said the RCSP, together with the Support to Barangay Development Program (SBDP), aims to accelerate the delivery of basic services and infrastructure in conflict-cleared and geographically isolated communities.

The initiative is part of the government’s whole-of-nation approach under Executive Order 70, signed in 2018, which tackles insurgency through development, social inclusion, and improved governance rather than relying solely on military action.

Benitez added that the Armed Forces of the Philippines endorses conflict-cleared areas through its Community Support Program, while the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict identifies barangays eligible for RCSP implementation.

For 2026, target areas include eight barangays in Bonifacio, seven in Baliangao, eight in Concepcion, and one in Don Victoriano. Other beneficiaries are 13 barangays in Lopez Jaena, six in Oroquieta City, one in Panaon, nine in Plaridel, 10 in Sapang Dalaga, 15 in Tangub, and 10 in Tudela.

“Kini gyud sila ang mga priorities because these are considered GIDAs, most of the barangays in Don Victoriano and Concepcion,” Benitez said, referring to geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.

Under the SBDP, cleared barangays may receive funding for projects such as farm-to-market roads, school buildings, water and sanitation systems, health stations and rural electrification.

Through community consultations and barangay profiling, local priorities are identified and endorsed for funding, strengthening government presence and supporting sustained peace through grassroots development.