DBM allots P8.08B for dev’t in insurgency-cleared barangays

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released P8.08 billion to fund priority projects in 808 insurgency-cleared barangays under the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF)-Support to the Barangay Development Program (SBDP).

The SBDP is a key component of the administration’s 2026 LGSF program, aimed at strengthening local governance and addressing the root causes of conflict through responsive, community-driven development.

READ: LGUs tackle P57.9-B fund for local projects in recent Palace meet

The corresponding Special Allotment Release Order was approved by Acting Budget Secretary Rolando Toledo on March 17.

“This release is in direct compliance with the instruction of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to ensure that no community is left behind and that development reaches even the most remote barangays,” said Toledo, as quoted in a press release on Wednesday.

“And when the President says, ‘Every Town Will Benefit,’ it is clear that this includes every barangay — especially those previously affected by conflict. Through this fund, we are empowering local communities, improving access to basic services, and creating real opportunities for our kababayans to live safer, more productive, and more dignified lives,” he also said.

The LGSF-SBDP, a flagship project of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, provides direct funding to barangays for priority projects identified through the Retooled Community Support Program and integrated into Barangay Development Plans.

Among these initiatives are farm-to-market roads, school buildings, water systems, health stations, and electrification projects.

The DBM said funds will be released before the month ends, and the guidelines are outlined under Local Budget Circular No. 168 dated Feb. 16 2026.

Last Feb. 23, Marcos ordered the direct release of the P57.9-billion LGSF to assist local government units for a wide range of projects that may help their communities.

READ: Palace: Tinio’s ‘pork’ claims are pure criticism, intrigue

This, however, was criticized by ACT Teachers party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio as an initiative to allegedly distribute “pork barrel” to secure support for the upcoming barangay elections and the 2028 national elections.

Palace press officer Claire Castro dismissed this claim as mere criticism and intrigue. /das