to officials of mentioned villages Each corn-sheller building costs around P2,134,000 while each warehouse and solar dryer costs P1,800,000 and P685,900, respectively. Each recipient barangays also received P6 million to put up infrastructure and equipment for farmers, most of them growing rice and corn. Gov. Mendoza said that this year, OPAPP has identified 22 villages in the province as beneficiaries of various development projects to include the ones handed in the turn-over. Fourteen of these barangays are located in Midsayap and are identified as conflict-affected areas. Other assistance like farm to market roads, multi-purpose buildings and water projects are also being scheduled for implementation. Mendoza noted that the provincial government initiates actions that will link the conflict-stricken barangays to the national government. “Your provincial government in its mandate to bring peace and development mediates particularly in reconciliation,” the governor told hundreds of villagers present in the event. She further emphasized that the provincial government is living up to its “Serbisyong Totoo” tagline. 16
Meanwhile, ASec Capugawan told the beneficiaries that OPAPP is all out in helping depressed barangays. “It is a directive for us to partner with the local government units (LGUs) and engage with them in peace and development efforts,” the OPAPP official said. He also reminded the recipient barangays to sustain and maintain the projects given to them. OPAPP, since its creation years ago is also partnering with nongovernment organizations, civil societies and peoples’ organization. On the other hand, Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) vicechairman Jimmy Labawan gave his commitment in supporting all government developmental efforts in the province. During the turn–over ceremony, the 6th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army headed by Major General Romeo Gapuz in collaboration with the North East Kutawato State Revolutionary Committee (NEKSRC) of the MNLF conducted free haircut, medical checkup, circumcision and feeding in Barangay Kapinpilan. The NEKSRC will also be a partner of the recipient barangays in sustaining the projects from the national government. (SJDuermePIA12/JSta.Cruz-N. Cot. Provincial Government Office) Tuesday, July 9, 2013