NOGRALES LEADS 2ND REGIONAL TASK FORCE TO END LOCAL COMMUNIST ARMED CONFLICT MEETING IN CARAGA
The meeting was in line with the mandate of Executive Order No. 70 (series of 2018) which created the Caraga RTF-ELCAC and its twelve clusters effective June 26, 2019.
During the meeting, each cluster was given the opportunity to present the outputs of its initial planning workshops meant to define their goals and plans relating to peace and development in their respective areas.
Nograles is the designated Cabinet Officer for Regional Development & Security (CORDS) as well as Chairperson of the Caraga Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.
The members of the Caraga Regional Development Council (RDC) and the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) are also part of the RTF-ELCAC. The 12 regional task force clusters are led by the following government agencies: Local Government Empowerment – DILG, Legal Cooperation – DOJ, Basic Services – DILG, Peace and Law Enforcement - 402nd Infantry Brigade, 4ID, Local Peace Engagement – DILG and OPAPP, Sectoral Unification, Capacity Building, Empowerment – DOLE, Livelihood and Poverty Alleviation – TESDA, Strategic Communications – PIA, Infrastructure and Resource Management – DPWH, Situational Awareness and Knowledge Management – NICA, E-CLIP, Amnesty – DILG, and International Engagement – DFA.
After the cluster presentations, Nograles directed the attendees to update their roadmaps, roles, and functions based on comments made during the gathering. The Cabinet Secretary likewise emphasized the need for member-agencies to ensure assignments are carried through.
"This Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict was localized and brought to the grassroots level in compliance with the driective of President Rodrigo Duterte that implemention of the programs should be made at the provincial, city, municipal down to the barangay level,” Nograles said.
In addition to EO No. 70, the DILG released Memorandum Circular No. 2019-125 which provides guidelines for LGUs and local chief executives for the proper implementation of the executive order within their jurisdiction
The DILG also released a memorandum to further equip barangays through community-centered initiatives and retooled community support programs.
The Cabinet Secretary had earlier written the heads of the partner-agencies and sought their active support and participation in the task force.
During the gathering, Nograles further acknowledged the active assistance of members of the Regional Development Council (RDC) and the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC).
He committed to have the appointments of council chairpersons expedited in order to allow them to start immediately with the tasks of addressing peace and development concerns of the Caraga region.
A planned Covenant Signing is slated next month involving 80 pilot barangays including representatives of civil society organizations and participants from the private sector. The event is meant to seal the commitments of all stakeholders for the success of the localized implementation ng EO No. 70.
