The Department of the Interior and Local Government–National Capital Region (DILG-NCR) through the Local Government Capability Development Division conducted the “Barangay Bilang Kaagapay sa Kapayapaan at Kasaganaan: Advancing PCVE Local Strategies and Early Warning Response Mechanisms” on October 13–14, 2025, at Chardonnay Events Hall by Astoria, Pasig City. The training gathered over 130 participants from various NCR local government units (LGUs), including Punong Barangays and Barangay Kagawads on Peace and Order from 88 target barangays.

The activity aimed to enhance the participants’ capacity on the fundamentals of Early Warning, Prevention, and Response (EWPR) mechanisms through the conduct of violent extremism risk assessments, institutionalization of strategic communications, and mainstreaming EWPR in the barangay development planning process.

In their welcome messages, Regional Director Maria Lourdes L. Agustin, CESO III, and LGCDD Acting Chief Luigi D.C. Pilarta acknowledged the vital role of the Barangay Peace and Order Committees (BPOCs) in maintaining peace and order at the grassroots level. BPOCs serve as the first line of defense in addressing peace and security concerns within their communities.

Director Dennis Villaseñor of the National Barangay Operations Office (NBOO), through a pre-recorded message, reaffirmed the DILG’s commitment to building safer and more resilient communities. He emphasized that the National Action Plan on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (NAP-PCVE) provides the national framework for a harmonized and collaborative approach among government agencies and stakeholders.

Katherine Derit, Supervising Project Officer of the PCVE Project Management Office, presented updates on the NAP-PCVE, including its legal foundations, harmonization process for 2023–2028 aligned with Ambisyon Natin 2040, and key accomplishments under its outcome areas. She described violent extremism as “sukdulang karahasan,” emphasizing that while peace and order issues vary, violent extremism represents the most extreme form of violence.

Velvet C. Pandaan, Regional Technical Assistant of the Local Government Monitoring and Evaluation Division, discussed the key outcomes of the EWPR Module 1 Rollout, highlighting the mechanism’s crucial role in enabling barangays to identify early and prevent early signs of violence and extremist activities. 

Lt. Col. Arniel C. Tormis, Assistant Chief of the United Command Staff for Civil Military Operations of the AFP–NCR Command, presented the fundamentals of EWPR and violent extremism risk assessment. He emphasized the importance of cultural sensitivity among local officials and proposed strategies to foster community resilience at the barangay level.

Meanwhile, Darlene C. Castro, MPSA, Project Evaluation Officer III of the Philippine Public Safety College, together with SPO Derit, elaborated on the indicators and triggers of violent extremism. Discussions then tackled strategic communication, community-based feedback, and accountability mechanisms. They encouraged barangay implementers to ensure that the EWPR framework remains adaptive and responsive to evolving threats.

LGOO III Mary Criselle Mejillano discussed the mainstreaming of EWPR in the barangay development planning (BDP) process, detailing the steps for integration and stressing the value of adopting a whole-of-nation approach through citizen participation.

To reinforce learning, participants engaged in a workshop on assessing, validating, and addressing violent extremism (VE) risks in their respective barangays, applying the concepts and tools discussed during the sessions.

In her closing message, Assistant Division Chief Maria Jasmin D. Diaz of LGCDD expressed optimism that the participants would apply their learnings in promoting peace and security within their communities.

“Hinihikayat po namin kayong ipagpatuloy ang mga inisyatiba ng inyong BPOC, palakasin ang ugnayan sa inyong mga nasasakupan, at patuloy na maging katuwang ng pamahalaan sa pagpapatupad ng mga hakbangin para sa ligtas, payapa, at matatag na komunidad,” Diaz urged.

The Barangay Bilang Kaagapay sa Kapayapaan at Kasaganaan: Advancing PCVE Local Strategies and Early Warning Response Mechanisms marks the second iteration of DILG-NCR’s initiative to build barangay capacities in preventing and countering violent extremism.