IN line with the Aquino Administration’s thrust of ensuring just and lasting peace and the rule of law, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) yesterday released P1.42 billion to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-General Headquarters (AFP-GHQ) military camp improvement projects.
The P1.42-billion release will be charged against the remaining balance from a previous release made to the AFP for the AFP-Military Camp Sales Proceeds (MCSPF) Fund 170.
“The improvement of our military camps in the country will ensure better support to our soldiers in the field, whose performance and well-being are naturally affected by the quality of facilities in their respective camps. Our soldiers will likewise benefit from stronger training facilities and services, which will help them prepare better for armed-conflict situations,” Budget and Management Secretary Florencio B. Abad said.
The total fund release will be used to support various military camp upgrade initiatives, including Architectural and Engineering upgrades amounting to P1.14 billion. Included as well in the release is the amount of P282 million for the construction of a Combined Arms Readiness Training Center, as well as P594,000 for Training and Doctrine Command Projects, among others.
Nonetheless, Abad emphasized the importance of resolving armed conflict in high-risk areas, including the ARMM and other regions in Southern Mindanao.
“Our desire to provide a more comprehensive support system for our soldiers is also balanced with the Administration’s peace objectives. This is particularly important, given that we are currently celebrating Peace Month.
“If you recall, one of the Key Result Areas under President Aquino’s Social Contract with the Filipino People is to establish just and lasting peace and the rule of law in the country. An enduring cycle of armed conflict arrests socio-economic growth in communities that are already very poor, and the Administration is already pursuing long-term solutions for resolving conflict in these areas,” Abad said.
Under the Aquino administration, skirmishes between the National Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) dropped to 14 in 2010, eight in 2011, and zero in 2012 as of June this year. These figures are a sharp contrast to the number of armed conflict posted under the previous administration, including the 698 incidents recorded in 2002 and 115 skirmishes in 2009. (DBM)