By Jay B. Laurino Lopez Mayor Isaias B. Ubana II (sitting fourth from the right) joins national and local officials during the PAMANA Progra...
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| Lopez Mayor Isaias B. Ubana II (sitting fourth from the right) joins national and local officials during the PAMANA Program MOA signing at Foro de Intramuros in Manila on March 26, formalizing the town’s inclusion in the government’s peace and development initiative. (Lopez LGU) |
LOPEZ, Quezon - With a new agreement in place, the Municipality of Lopez is now eligible for state-backed infrastructure and livelihood projects aimed at accelerating local development. The municipality formalized its inclusion through a Memorandum of Agreement signed with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity on March 26 at Foro de Intramuros.
The agreement confirms Lopez’s participation in the PAyapa at MAsaganang PAmayaNAn (PAMANA) Program, a national initiative focused on peace-building and development in underserved and conflict-affected areas. It allows the municipality to receive government support aimed at improving infrastructure, public services, and overall local economic conditions.
Through the agreement, Lopez becomes part of the PAMANA Program’s system for delivering projects identified by local governments. The program provides infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and water systems alongside social services and livelihood opportunities that strengthen local economies and improve access to essential services.
The signing forms part of a nationwide rollout involving around 100 local government units, with the national government allocating ₱5 billion for more than 150 infrastructure projects in conflict-affected and vulnerable communities. These include farm-to-market roads, water systems, community centers, and agricultural support facilities aimed at improving access to services and boosting local economic activity.
The ceremony was led by Carlito G. Galvez Jr. and attended by Loren Legarda, who both expressed strong support for advancing peace and inclusive development through continued collaboration with local government units. They emphasized the importance of working together at the national and local levels to address the root causes of conflict while accelerating economic and social progress in beneficiary communities.
Mayor Isaias B. Ubana II welcomed the development, emphasizing that Lopez’s inclusion in the PAMANA Program will help accelerate priority infrastructure and community-based initiatives in the municipality. He noted that the partnership opens new opportunities to uplift underserved barangays and sustain long-term growth.
“Malaki ang maitutulong ng PAMANA Program sa aming bayan, lalo na sa pagpapabuti ng imprastraktura at serbisyong panlipunan. Patuloy kaming makikipagtulungan sa pambansang pamahalaan upang matiyak na ang mga proyekto ay makakarating sa mga komunidad na higit na nangangailangan. Ito ay hakbang tungo sa mas maunlad at mapayapang Lopez para sa lahat ng aming mamamayan,” ani Ubana.
Ubana said the next phase will focus on identifying priority barangays and preparing project proposals aligned with PAMANA guidelines. He added that coordination with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity will continue to ensure timely implementation and monitoring of approved projects.
“Tututukan namin ang maayos na pagpapatupad ng mga proyektong ito upang matiyak na mararamdaman agad ng mga mamamayan ang benepisyo. Sisiguraduhin din namin na ang bawat hakbang ay naaayon sa layunin ng PAMANA Program para sa pangmatagalang kaunlaran ng Lopez,” ani Ubana.
PAMANA, implemented by OPAPRU, is the national government’s main program that delivers community-driven projects in peace and development areas across the country. It has supported projects such as farm-to-market roads, water systems, community facilities, and livelihood programs aimed at improving living conditions and supporting long-term development.
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