By Jennifer P. Rendon
The Philippine Army’s 12th Infantry Battalion and the local government units (LGUs) of Capiz and Iloilo formally deployed 12 Community Support Program (CSP) teams.
The revamp was held on June 22, 2020 at the West Visayas State University-Calinog campus.
Captain Cenon Pancito III, 3rd Infantry Division spokesperson, said the 12 CSP teams, which are composed of soldiers from the 12th IB, will be deployed to the depressed barangays of the municipalities of Tapaz in Capiz province and Calinog, Janiuay, Lambunao, and Maasin in Iloilo.
These identified barangays are deemed as rebel-influenced villages.
The CSP, which replaces AFP’s Oplan Bayanihan, emphasizes the military’s new thrust of enhancing nation-building and countryside development in relation to the peace policy of President Rodrigo Duterte
CSP is a people-centered program which aims to bring peace and development in conflict-affected barangays. It is an initiative of the state forces to bring the government closer to the people through an immediate delivery of basic services especially to grassroots communities.
In attendance during the send-off rites were representatives from the Office of the Governor of the two provinces, mayors, and village chairmen of the identified CSP barangays.
Village chairmen signed a certificate of acceptance during the ceremony.
