Towards bridging development gaps in the Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs), the RTF V Taskforce Katoninungan asin Kauswagan spearheaded the conduct of the ceremonial groundbreaking of the Support to Barangay Development Program (SBDP) Projects in Barangay Sta Cruz and San Pascual in Casiguran, Sorsogon on 24 June 2021.
These barangays are included in the first batch of beneficiaries in the Bicol Region that will be receiving the 2021 Support to Barangay Development Program (SBDP). NTF-ELCAC Vice-Chair and National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr., DILG Undersecretary for Local Government Marlo L. Iringan, Sorsogon Governor Francis Joseph Escudero, DILG 5 RD Atty. Anthony C. Nuyda, PNP PRO5 RD Jonnel Estomo and BGen Adonis Bajao representing MGen Henry Robinson Jr. of 9ID, Philippine Army together with the Agency Cluster Heads of the RTF V Task Force Katoninungan asin Kauswagan led the ceremonial groundbreaking in Casiguran, Sorsogon.
A total of 164 priority projects for 49 barangays of Camarines Norte, Masbate and Sorsogon, with an allocation of 20 Million per barangay, amounting to a total of 980 million worth of development projects for Bicol Region has been funded by the Support to Barangay Development Program, a program that aims to provide financial support for the priority projects and programs of barangays that have been identified to have issues and developmental gaps in their areas.