The Localized Peace Engagement (LPE) Cluster of the Joint Regional Task Force on Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (JRTF8-ELCAC), co-led by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is currently holding the Transformation Program (TP): Samar Island Provincial Planning-Workshop.
The activity from April 24-26, 2023 in Palo, Leyte, aims to address the needs of so-called ‘friends rescued’ (FRs), their families, and communities through a holistic and convergent implementation of the four components which are security; confidence-building measures; socio-economic development; as well as healing and reconciliation.
As co-lead of the cluster, DILG 8 RD Arnel M. Agabe emphasized on the need to enhance governance in all parts of the country. He cited the reduction of active Guerilla Fronts from almost 11 to only two at present which he said is due to the efforts of the national government agencies supporting the security sector.
“We should put at the center the formulation of ways and strategies on how NGAs, taking into consideration their meager resources, could help the LGUs” he said.
He acknowledged that while everyone has done well and their efforts have resulted positively, but these strategies should be sustained.
The provinces of the Samar Island gave updates on Peace and Development Efforts & Strategic Directions of the LGU. The activity included a Briefing on the NTF-ELCAC LPE Cluster and Its Transformation Program, an Orientation on Conflict-Sensitivity & Peace Promotion; and a discussion on Multi-dimensional Dynamics of the Local Communist Insurgency & Situation on the Security in Conflict-Affected and Conflict Vulnerable Areas.
Likewise, there was a sharing of Peacebuilders’ Perspectives on LPE Mainstreaming and Transformation Program; Healing and Reconciliation; Confidence Building Measures; as well as Sharing of Best Practices.
The DILG also presented the implementation status of the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP), Support to the Barangay Development Program (SBDP) and Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP).
Among the participants of this activity initiated by the OPAPRU are the members of the Provincial Technical Working Groups on Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTWG-ELCAC) of Samar, Eastern Samar and Northern Samar, FRs, head of agencies of the JRTF8-ELCAC, and NTF-ELCAC.
