KBP Brought Peace, Freedom and Development A glimpse of the completion on the remaining projects in CALABARZON

At the outset, Kalayaan sa Barangay Program is in line with the government's goal to rehabilitate and develop the conflict-affected areas as contained in the Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan for 2004-2010 or the National Peace Plan. Hence, the remaining KBP projects for 2005 funded in the CALABARZON finally culminates this period – to give way to a new sets of projects. Under the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) another position of fund releases for 2008 and 2009 will finally draw closer. To date, the 564th Engineer Construction Battalion had completed a total of 60 classrooms, developed 27 units of water system and 37.26 Km Farm-to-Market Roads benefiting the barangays in the provinces of Laguna, Batangas and Quezon. The completed KBP amounts to P 80,572,517.32 whose impact is much bigger compared to unwarranted tons of bombs dropped amidst enemy territory. These accomplishments speak well of the good intention of the government to bring sustainable peace and development without using any violent activities. Nobody can argue with someone whose talking point is peace. The “Army Engineers” are doing it well.

As often said, these projects when accomplished will surely change the views and sentiments of the people in the area to the Philippine Army and government as a whole. The 564ECB literally builds bridges to progress and farm-to-market roads to connect, constructs school buildings to help educate the youth and these roads will bring the future closer to the people for them to identify that soldiers are also part of the community and they have successfully created better working relationship between the government and civilian sector in peacemaking process.

The unit's unending perseverance and willful readiness to serve is shown in its continuous undertaking to these numerous projects. With this daring exhibition of true service and credibility, the unit gained a well-deserved respect for uniformed men not only within the unit and in the whole AFP, but also within the hearts of the civilian populace who were witnesses to the loyal unselfish dedication and willingness to serve of the Team 51st Engineers.