Kalinaw News: EO-70 “Whole of Nation Approach” benefits IP Community in Arakan, North Cotabato

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 23, 2021): EO-70 “Whole of Nation Approach” benefits IP Community in Arakan, North Cotabato



ARAKAN, COTABATO – The “Diwata ng Apo”, Hon. Nancy A Catamco, Governor, Province of North Cotabato gave her warmest support to the realization of the Support to Barangay Development Program (SBDP) project and subsequently delivered services thru Serbisyo Caravan under Executive Order (EO) 70 or “Whole of Nation Approach” to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) in Barangay Malibatuan, Arakan, North Cotabato on October 22, 2021.

The Government thru the strong collaboration and sincere commitment of the Provincial Government Unit of North Cotabato, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), NTF Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), Local Government of Arakan, Barangay Local Government Unit of Brgy Malibatuan and Army’s 1002nd Infantry “Bagwis” Brigade and 72nd Infantry “Gabay” Battalion successfully launched the fulfillment of support to Barangay Development Program: Ground Breaking Ceremony of 1.014KM “Concreting of Farm-To-Market Road” at Barangay Malibatuan worth Php 12,989,463.74 that was funded from the Local Government Support Fund- Support to the Barangay Development Program (LGSF-SBDP) initiated by the National Government implemented by the Provincial Government down to the Barangay Level.

Also, the Provincial Task Force ELCAC resumed its pending schedule of “Serbisyo Caravan” in Barangay Malibatuan that successfully delivered services from the various Government Agencies to the local populace of the said barangay. The said caravan aims to address the needs of the people and provide them better livelihood despite the Pandemic. This also aims to provide sustainable development to conflict-prone communities especially those in the far-flung areas.

These activities are part of the Government’s sustainment efforts in the implementation of Executive Order (EO) 70 in institutionalizing a “Whole of nation approach” to end the local communist armed conflict to clear barangays from any affectation/influence of the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs). The said barangay was known as one of the red barangays or Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) affected barangays in the Municipality of Arakan. It was later cleared after the immersion of the Army’s Community Support Program Teams (CSPTs) and is now being assisted by the Local Government Unit of Arakan and Community Development Teams (CDT) of 72IB. The leadership of the local officials and cooperation of the local populace made the previously CTGs affected barangay cleared and be known as one of the most peaceful barangay in the Municipality.

Present during the activity were Hon. Nancy A Catamco, Governor, Province of North Cotabato; Hon. Efren Piñol, Provincial Administrator; COL Ted B Dumusmog, 1002nd Deputy Bde Commander; LTC Jose C Regonay Jr, Commanding Officer 72IB; PCOL Bernard Tayong, DPPO Cotobato; Hon. Rene B Rubino, Municipal Mayor, Arakan; Hon. Gigi Anarna Pangilinan, Vice Mayor, Arakan; Board Members; Ms. Vita Gumahad, Rep from DILG Province; Hon. Jasmin Educalan, MLGOO, Arakan; Hon. Arlene Portillo , Barangay Captain; Barangay Officials; staff from the Office of the Governor; and troops and officers of 1002Bde and 72IB.

Hon. Rene Rubino, Municipal Mayor of Arakan, expressed his gratitude to everyone who made the activity successful. During his message, he said, “Barangay Malibatuan is one of the fortunate barangays in North Cotabato who witnessed and will experience the sincere commitment of our Government in ending our 52-year struggle against insurgency. We have to be united in achieving our ultimate goal; that is to have a just and lasting peace in the whole Municipality.”

During his message, Col Dumusmog on behalf of BGEN Potenciano Camba commended the exceptional commitment of the Provincial Government to implement the BDP in the Province of North Cotabato. “This is the 10th Groundbreaking we have conducted in the province and we are looking forward to more. Rest assured that we, your men and women in uniform will continue to give our best support and effort to all the projects and programs of the Government intended for the people. We will continue to do our mandated duty; that is to protect the peace and order in the Province.” He ended.

Hon Catamco lauded and expressed her utmost gratitude to the local officials of Barangay Malibatuan who really worked hand-in-hand just to be one of the 36 barangays who will receive the 20M.

“The people behind the success of this project are your barangay captain together with her officials. Unity and Cooperation are the keys for us to achieve lasting peace and prosperity in our Province. This is the 10th launching of BDP in North Cotabato and I will make sure that it will continue until all the barangays get the project intended for them. KUYOG TA! DUMAKI!” She said.

She also urged those who are still on the mountainside to surrender peacefully to the Government and embrace the peace initiative programs of Pres Rodrigo Duterte intended for them.

Governor Catamco has been very committed and dedicated to visiting and attending Ground Breaking Ceremonies to witness the fulfillment of support to Barangay Development Program projects under Executive Order (EO) 70.

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/eo-70-whole-of-nation-approach-benefits-ip-community-in-arakan-north-cotabato/