NGAs Strengthen Projects in Conflict Affected Areas

Following the creation of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) in Central Visayas, hundreds of programs and projects are planned in a joint effort by National Government Agencies (NGAs).

Secretary Michael Dino heads the RTF-ELCAC in Central Visayas.

Recipients of the said project are towns in Negros Oriental (which was considered the only communist affected province) like Canlaon City, Guihulngan City, Valencia, Zamboangita, Siaton, and Sta. Catalina.

Recently, different clusters presented different programs to Dino in line with operationalizing the Executive Order 70 that was signed by the President last December 4, 2018.

The goal is to prioritize and harmonize the delivery of basic services and social development projects in conflict affected areas and vulnerable communities, facilitate social inclusivity, and ensure participation from all sectors.

Under the Basic Services Cluster headed by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) 7, a total of 43 projects are planned, worth a total of P13.6 million.

Other clusters headed by the DILG-7 are the Local Peace Engagement Cluster which is set to implement 6 projects with P444,400 budget; the E-clip and Amnesty Program Cluster with 9 projects and a P6.7 million budget allocation; and, the Local Government Empowerment Cluster with 28 planned projects.

The Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster headed by Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) 7 will implement 16 programs and projects which aim to develop self-reliant, resilient and sustainable communities through harmonized culturally responsive development programs.

Meanwhile, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-7 allotted nearly P10 million for 9 projects in the capacity-building and empowerment cluster.

The Strategic Communication Cluster was headed by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-7.

Other clusters that presented their programs and projects are Situational Awareness and Knowledge Management chaired by National Intelligence Coordinating Agency; Legal Cooperation headed by Department of Justice (DOJ) 7; Infrastructure, Resource Management and Employment which is headed by Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 and Department of Public Works and Highways (DWPH) 7; Peace, Law Enforcement and Development Support headed by Department of National Defense; and, International Engagement which is headed by Department of Foreign Affairs. (MLC)