Northern samar: More projects designed to end insurgency will be implemented in Northern Samar province in 2026 under the Support to the Barangay Development Program (SBDP).

According to Philippines News Agency, the Northern Samar provincial government announced on Monday that the SBDP has expanded with new recipient communities in 2026, including those part of the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) for the year 2025-2026.

Listed as new SBDP beneficiaries are Barangays Macagtas, Washington, Somoge, and Libjo in Catarman town; Barangays Del Pilar and Quezon in Las Navas; Barangay Alejandro in Allen; Barangay Sumuroy in Bobon; Barangays Magtuas and Sulitan in Catubig; Barangays Sibunot and Yabyaban in Laoang; Barangay Bayho of Lope de Vega; Barangays Mirador and Talolora in Mondragon; and Barangays Guindauhan and Kailingan in Rosario town.

"DILG's programs and projects stand as powerful testaments of both the provincial and national government's continuing commitment to uplifting the current conditions of the province, particularly for the communities in need," the Northern Samar provincial government said in a statement.

In 2024, 161 projects were completed under the SBDP in the province. For the year 2025, two projects were completed, two new projects in Gamay and Mapanas are ongoing, and three projects are still under procurement, according to the DILG Northern Samar field office.

SBDP-funded projects include rural roads, health stations, water systems, and schools for conflict-cleared and far-flung communities, addressing the needs of the identified communities to alleviate poverty, sustain peace, and foster development.

The SBDP, a flagship initiative of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, seeks to close development gaps in remote and vulnerable areas by delivering essential infrastructure, improving access to basic services, and addressing the root causes of insurgency.