ELCAC: Fostering Peace and Development
CAMP MELCHOR F DELA CRUZ, Upi, Gamu, Isabela- In effect of Executive Order No. 70 (EO 70) that creates the Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC), 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army undertakes peace, security, and development in conflict-affected and geographically isolated and disadvantage areas through the Whole-of-Nation Approach.
ELCAC aims to bring basic government programs and services closer to the people, especially in remote areas. It also offers a holistic approach that would resolve poverty problems. Thus, units of 5ID together with the national line agencies are working for the successful implementation of the programs and projects for the people in their community.
The 86th Infantry Battalion signed a Memorandum of Partnership Agreement with 513th Engineering Construction Battalion and officials of Barangay Napaliong, Jones, Isabela for the rehabilitation of 2-kilometer road amounting to ₱100,000. While, through the help of the 77th Infantry Battalion, various infrastructure projects such as the construction of a bridge, road, and a school building were implemented in Barangay Bunugan, Baggao, Cagayan.
Through the 95th Infantry Battalion, insurgency affected barangays were cleared from the presence of the terrorist group that led to the dismantling of the terrorist CPP-NPA Central Front Committee. This paved the way for the delivery of government projects and services through the various clusters of the Task Force-ELCAC.
Recently, livelihood projects under the Poverty Reduction, Livelihood, and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) of the ELCAC are fueled in identified conflict areas such as Barangays of Binablayan, Danggo, Luhong, Tukukan, and Wangwang in Tinoc, Ifugao. Through the help of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and with the assistance of the 54th Infantry Battalion, some residents of the said barangays were given fisheries livelihood projects that cost almost a million. Also, a 110-million-peso Nangkatengey-Numpaling farm-to-market road opening project is now under construction through the Whole-of-Nation Approach.
On February of this year, the 50th Infantry Battalion assisted in the awarding of agricultural assistance from the Department of Agriculture- Special Area for Agriculture Development (DA-SAAD) to two farmers’ association as livelihood intervention in support of the Duck Production Project. Churawon Farmers’ Association (CFA) of Upper Bangad, Tinglayan, Kalinga and YGuilayon Farmers’ Livelihood Association (yGFLA) of Guilayon are the beneficiaries of the said project. Wherein 48 bags of grower poultry feeds, 48 bags of rice bran, 50 spray can units and 50 shovels were distributed to the 50 members of the association whereas yGFLA received a unit of egg incubator, 50 spray can units, and 50 shovels.
On the other hand, on March 2021, 29 residents in Barangay Minanga, Piat, Cagayan underwent Training cum Production in Photovoltaic (PV) Systems Installation NCII under the Project TALAGA (TESDA Alay ay Liwanag at Asenso Gamit ang enerhiya ng Araw) with the help of the 17th Infantry Battalion. The project aimed to set up rural electrification to give light to every home and to train the beneficiaries for their livelihood.
Consequently, with the programs and projects brought by the Army troops and the line agencies, hundreds of members and supporters of the terrorist CPP-NPA returned to the folds of the law and surrendered assorted war materials and subversive documents.
MGen Laurence E Mina PA, Commander of 5ID said that every one deserves social justice and inclusive development, especially in the far-flung areas. “It is high time for the people in these conflict-affected and geographically isolated and disadvantage areas to know government programs and initiatives for them. Through the Whole-of-Nation Approach to end local communist armed conflict, we have brought the government closer to the people. The delivery of basic services to the communities were facilitated while enhancing access of vulnerable sectors like the indigenous people to developmental projects.”
“The insurgents have deceived the people for five decades now. We call on every peace-loving Filipino to unite in order to end the local armed conflict. ELCAC is here to deliver the much-needed services to the people.”
“The insurgents have deceived the people for five decades now. We call on every peace-loving Filipino to unite in order to end the local armed conflict. ELCAC is here to deliver the much-needed services to the people.” MGen Mina concluded.
Approved for release:
MGEN LAURENCE E MINA PA
Commander