NTF-Elcac vows infra support for former conflict areas

MANILA, Philippines – The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-Elcac) will focus on providing infrastructure and basic services to communities emerging from decades of armed conflict.

NTF-Elcac Executive Director Danilo Pamonag said in a news release over the weekend that he would work with national government agencies, local government units, civil society organizations and communities to support the development of former conflict areas.

“The thrust places greater emphasis on ensuring that communities emerging from decades of armed conflict do not simply remain peaceful, but are provided with the infrastructure, basic services, livelihood opportunities and responsive governance necessary to prosper,” the NTF-Elcac said.

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READ: New NTF-Elcac chief: No child will grow in shadow of armed conflict

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The task force said Pamonag’s assumption of office “marks a renewed push to further strengthen coordination and cooperation across government and with communities as the country’s campaign against communist insurgency increasingly moves toward consolidating hard-won peace gains through governance and development.”

Among the programs under the task force is the Barangay Development Program, which provides infrastructure and basic services to geographically isolated and formerly conflict-affected communities.

Projects include farm-to-market roads, water systems, electrification, health facilities and schools, which the government says are intended to improve access to public services and economic opportunities.

A retired and bemedaled Army lieutenant general and former Department of Social Welfare and Development undersecretary, Pamonag took his oath before Executive Secretary Ralph Recto on Sept. 10, replacing Ernesto Torres Jr. /jpv