PTF-ELCAC to harmonize programs, services in MisOcc

From the Philippine Information Agency (May 16, 2021): PTF-ELCAC to harmonize programs, services in MisOcc (By Shaine Mae R. Nagtalon)

MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL, May 15 (PIA)--The Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) here conducted a coordination meeting among its members to harmonize its services and programs in Misamis Occidental held at the Provincial Capitol, Function Hall.

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Provincial Director Pablio Benitez Jr. said the task force should strengthen ways on the delivery of basic services and social development in conflict affected areas and vulnerable communities, facilitate social inclusivity and ensure participation of all sectors.

“This meeting aims to harmonize our effort after more than a year that we are implementing our activities and programs down to the barangay level,” he said.

Benitez also reiterated the level of understanding of PTF-ELCAC, the functions, and cluster efforts. He stressed that the task force needs to revisit and find out the accomplishments that have been achieved to identify the strategic issues that the PTF-ELCAC needs to address, and come up with a doable solution as road map in the coming months or years.

For his part, Governor Philip Tan shared the initiatives towards the Whole-of-Nation Approach in delivering basic services to the barangays, livelihood, education and others to address local insurgency.

“The province will open many senior high schools to support the students in the province to end the insurgency. We also extend our services to the people in the far flag areas,” the governor said.

As to the activities of the rebel groups in the province, 10th Infantry Battalion Commanding Officer LTC Ray Tiongson of the Philippine Army said they are monitoring the groups’ movement, strengthening their information network in the area and planning to organize a wellness program for the youth.

“I hope the different agencies will appreciate the situation so we can see where we can focus our effort in terms of addressing or helping and encourage the remaining NPA to return to the folds of the law,” Tiongson added.

As for the livelihood and skills development, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Provincial Director El Cid Castillo said they offer the technology-based community training program in Raise Organic Chicken (Leading to Organic Agriculture Production NC II) and produce organic vegetables (Leading to Organic Agriculture Production NC II) for former rebels, IP Communities and special clients to priority barangays in Misamis Occidental.

To conduct and initiate skills and community-based livelihood programs related to agriculture, construction and food production to the beneficiaries in isolated and disadvantaged areas and special clients, TESDA submitted P2,ooo worth of training proposals under Local Interventions for the Development and Empowerment of Rural in Misamis Occidental (LIDER-MisOcc) where P50,000 per local government unit (LGU) is also allocated for the Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs).

The agenda of the meeting also includes updates on the FY 2021 Retooled Community Support Program/Support to Barangay Development Plan Projects Implementation in the province of Misamis Occidental.

The members of PTF-ELCAC also presented their accomplishments on the implementation of programs, projects and activities (PPAs), updates on the Provincial Implementation Plan with the corresponding strategic interventions, and updates on the conduct of regular cluster and Inter-cluster meetings and convergences. (SMRN/PIA Misamis Occidental)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1075344