More than 20 grassroots organizations took part in a one-day skills training-workshop on project development, financial literacy, and transparent governance under the Balik-Salig program on Saturday, July 5 at the 15th Infantry Battalion (15IB) headquarters in Barangay Tiling, Cauayan, Negros Occidental.
The workshop gathered officers and representatives from various people’s organizations (POs) assisted by the Army’s 15IB across Negros Occidental’s 6th District—covering the towns of Cauayan, Hinoba-an, Ilog, Candoni, and the cities of Kabankalan and Sipalay.
The training aimed to boost their capabilities in organizational development, budgeting, and sustainable project implementation—tools crucial for leading grassroots initiatives.
The Balik-Salig program, which means “restoring trust,” is a multi-agency initiative led by the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental in partnership with the Philippine Army and the Association of Negros Producers (ANP).
Launched in 2023, the program responds to decades of unrest and underdevelopment in far-flung barangays by restoring trust in institutions through skills development, livelihood support, and community capacity-building.
“This training is a vital step in empowering the Peoples Organization to effectively manage their resources and achieve their development goals,” said Sybel Nobleza, ANP’s External Affairs Head.
“By strengthening their capacity in these key areas, we aim to contribute to their long-term sustainability and success with relevant and active support from the Local Chief Executive of the Municipality of Cauayan under the Retooled Community Support Program,” she added.
The program specifically targets communities that were once vulnerable to or displaced by armed conflict. By equipping POs with practical tools and access to government programs, Balik Salig empowers them to run their own livelihood projects and build economic resilience.
The power of collaboration
To ensure long-term peace and development, the program fosters collaboration among government agencies, private sector groups, and the security sector—bringing together partners not just to assist communities, but to integrate them fully into the province’s growth.
Meanwhile, Noemi Dela Peña of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)–Negros Occidental also provided an orientation on legal registration and outlined DOLE’s available programs to support farmers, fisherfolk, and workers’ associations.
The Philippine Army, through the 15th IB, has also shifted its role from combat operations to community development—signaling a broader transformation in its approach to peacebuilding.
“Empowering the community through people’s organizations will make them strong and resilient,” said Lt. Col. Elmar L. Salvador, Commanding Officer of the 15IB. “We’re not just helping them survive—we’re helping them take ownership of their development.”
Reymund Titong is a Filipino journalist steadily building his voice in the field of news reporting, driven by a commitment to tell meaningful and relevant stories.
He serves as a correspondent for Rappler, maintains a personal blog on Medium, and is the communications officer of Hope Builders Organization Negros Island.