Community sustains peace and development efforts

The municipality of Columbio in Sultan Kudarat is known to be a hotbed of insurgents, i.e., the New People’s Army (NPA). When the AMORE Program entered Sitio Lam-alis in Barangay Datalblao in Columbio to energize the village with a 7-kilowatt microhydro power system, there were numerous instances wherein alleged communist sympathizers questioned the AMORE field workers regarding the intent, purpose, and approach of the AMORE program. The AMORE field workers objectively presented the program and, more importantly, encouraged the Barangay Renewable Energy and Community Development Association (BRECDA) members to respond to the queries. The BRECDA members themselves articulated and defended the energization project, expressing their need and ownership of the microhydro system. In April 2005, government forces conducted bombing runs only one kilometer away from the hydro project. Fortunately, the project was not damaged and the BRECDA members were not harmed.

In the true sense of community empowerment, the Lam-alis BRECDA sustains coordination with the local government unit, with the latter responding in terms of project support such as provision of financial management trainings, provision of trucks for hauling materials for the micro hydro and potable water system projects, and to more simple things like attendance in meetings and BRECDA events. The BRECDA is also a member of the Municipal Council of Development Organizations.