World · Philippines Bureau
NTF-Elcac Defends BDP Projects Against NGO Criticism in Iloilo
The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict has dismissed allegations of mismanagement in Iloilo's Barangay Development Program, accusing advocacy groups of hypocrisy for claiming to support the poor while questioning development initiatives.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-Elcac) has criticized civil society organizations for what it characterizes as selective opposition to poverty-alleviation projects in Iloilo province.
The inter-agency body's statement came after Bayan-Panay, a coalition of advocacy groups, raised concerns about the Barangay Development Program (BDP) based on findings from the Commission on Audit's 2025 audit report. Bayan-Panay released its statement on October 15, pointing to potential irregularities in program implementation.
NTF-Elcac officials contend that groups questioning the BDP are undermining efforts to deliver services to marginalized communities. The task force argues that such criticism contradicts the stated advocacy of these organizations to champion the interests of the poor and underserved populations.
The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between government development initiatives and civil society watchdog groups in the region. Both sides maintain that their positions align with the interests of ordinary Filipinos, though they differ sharply on program oversight and accountability mechanisms.