Occidental Mindoro Lone District Rep. Leody “Odie” Tarriela said the province’s economic growth shows how infrastructure, reliable power and government services can help reduce poverty and weaken conditions that allow insurgency to persist.

Speaking at a FAQCheck press conference, Tarriela cited Philippine Statistics Authority data showing Occidental Mindoro’s economy growing by 11.2 percent, up from 2.1 percent.

He said the province’s experience supports the government’s whole-of-nation approach to peace and development, arguing that security operations must be accompanied by visible improvements in roads, electricity, livelihoods and basic services.

“Insurgency ends where the road begins,” Tarriela said.

For years, Occidental Mindoro struggled with prolonged power interruptions and remote communities affected by communist insurgency.

Tarriela said improved power supply, expanding infrastructure and sustained development programs have helped create conditions for more investment, employment and economic activity.

“The 11.2 percent growth is not just a number, it is a symbol of real change,” he said. “With improved power supply, investors came, bringing more jobs and opportunities. Poverty and hunger fell. Government services are now truly felt, and that is why people no longer join or support armed groups.”

He cited Magsaysay town, which became the first municipality in the country to complete an infrastructure project under the FY 2026 Local Government Support Fund-Support to the Barangay Development Program.

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

Tarriela also pointed to Sablayan, where farm-to-market roads and other projects have helped connect previously isolated communities to markets, schools, health facilities and government services.

“Kung nakapunta ka ng Mindoro, maraming far-flung communities na walang magandang access road,” he said.

He said poor road access raises transport costs, limits farmers’ access to markets and makes it more difficult for government services to reach remote areas.

Tarriela thanked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict for continuing development interventions in former conflict-affected communities.

He also called for sustained funding for the Barangay Development Program, saying many communities still lack roads, water systems, schools, health facilities, electricity and livelihood opportunities.