Coop exec hails gains of BDP in Ilocos Sur

by Cleve Sta. Ana

BURGOS, ILOCOS SUR — A local cooperative official has praised the government’s Barangay Development Program (BDP) in Brgy. Luna, Burgos town, highlighting its positive impact on the community, including improved access to clean water and enhanced household living conditions.

Joel Sayo Sudario, Research, Planning, and Development Manager of the Nueva Segovia Consortium of Cooperatives (NSCC), shared insights during a recent interview on the radio program Voices from the Frontlines, which highlighted developments under the BDP in rural communities. 

The BDP is a flagship initiative of the government's National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) aimed at delivering basic infrastructure and social services to former conflict-affected and underserved areas.

NSCC serves as a third-party monitoring partner contracted by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to independently evaluate and validate BDP projects.

“Malaki ang tulong ng potable water system (The potable water system is a great help),” Sudario shared. “Nagbibigay ito ng ligtas at malinis na tubig sa mga residente. Karamihan kasi sa kanila umaasa sa mga balon, at sa panahon ng sakuna at tagtuyot, walang malinis na tubig (It provides safe and clean water to the residents. Most of them rely on wells, but during disasters and droughts, there is no clean water available).” He shared that in one focus group discussion, a mother said the installation of a water system has made daily chores significantly easier, as they no longer need to walk long distances to fetch water.

Sudario also emphasized the need for stronger stakeholder engagement at the barangay level. “In our validation, several points have been raised,” he said, “including the need for active participation in planning, strengthened capacity in project management, and ensuring sustainability and maintenance of completed projects.”

He stressed the importance of regular monitoring to promote accountability and transparency.

Asked about the role of civil society organizations (CSOs), Sudario described them as key actors in ensuring integrity and inclusive governance. “CSOs serve as the bridge and guardians of fair and honest project monitoring,” he said. “Their feedback reflects the voice of the community and supports transparency.”

Sudario added that CSOs should not only monitor but also take part in the early stages of project planning to ensure that initiatives respond to actual community needs. (June 4, 2025)