Manila: The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) announced that 785,897 residents in 620 insurgency-cleared barangays nationwide are now receiving medical care from 478 newly completed barangay health stations. These facilities have been established under the “Support to Barangay Development Program” (SBDP), which is set to run from 2021 to 2025.

According to Philippines News Agency, the project has received a total funding of PHP1.98 billion. The DILG emphasized the transformative impact of these health stations, which allow families in remote areas to access essential medical services without the need to travel long distances.

The DILG further reported ongoing progress, with 50 additional barangay health stations currently under construction, eight in the procurement phase, and 82 in pre-procurement. Beyond healthcare, the SBDP also supports various infrastructure projects, including farm-to-market roads, water supply and sanitation systems, rural electrification, agricultural facilities, and housing and rehabilitation works. These projects are identified by barangay residents through the DILG’s “Retooled Community Support Program” (RCSP) and are incorporated into their Barangay Development Plans.

The RCSP and SBDP are integral components of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s comprehensive strategy to foster lasting peace and development. This approach aims to ensure that all Filipino communities, irrespective of their remoteness, have access to necessary services and opportunities.