The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) announced it would intensify socio-economic interventions in Occidental Mindoro, following the declaration of more towns as insurgency-free or under “Stable Internal Peace and Security” (SIPS) status.
The Occidental Mindoro Police Provincial Office reported that seven out of the province’s 15 towns have officially been declared insurgency-free. This milestone opens the door for government-led programs, including OPAPRU’s “Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan” (PAMANA) program.
Launched in 2011, PAMANA focuses on peace-building, rehabilitation, and development in areas affected by conflict. Wilben Mayor, OPAPRU’s Presidential Assistant on Local Conflict Transformation, emphasized that this development enables infrastructure projects such as road improvements, enhancing progress and connectivity in the province.
The OPAPRU has allocated over PHP90 million for road projects in Sablayan and Calintaan towns in Occidental Mindoro, as well as PHP100 million for Mansalay in Oriental Mindoro, further boosting local development.