Opening Statement Secretary Eduardo M. Año National Security Adviser (NSA).
The NTF ELCAC is pleased to report the results of the 5th Execom Meeting of the NTF-ELCAC.
The President has directed the immediate implementation of the Amnesty Program for the remaining members of the CPP-NPA-NDF since Congress has already concurred with the proclamation. I am joined today by Sec. Charlie Galvez who will give us the details of the amnesty program.
The President has also reiterated his directive made last year for government agencies to activate their respective Project Development Officers for the implementation of NTF-ELCAC projects in their respective agencies. He asked the DILG to share the template of the DILG EO 70 Localization PMO to all national government agencies for their reference.
The Barangay Development Program (BDP) was established with the end goal of bringing development to conflict-affected communities. Since the program’s inception, a total of P30.4 Billion pesos have been allocated to benefit some 4,501 barangays nationwide that were cleared of NPA influence.
However, under the 2024 General Appropriations Act, only a total of P2.6 Billion or P2.5 Million per barangay was appropriated. The President said that the P2.5 million per barangay is small. He said: “We have to do more. We have to do better than that. We will try to reach P10M per barangay.”
The President has directed the Cabinet to increase the financial support to the 846 BDP barangays for 2024. He tasked the DBM to allow the 846 barangays to access the FALGU (Financial Assistance to LGU) so that their requirements for Farm to Market Roads and Water System and Sanitation can immediately be funded this year. The Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Department of Budget and Management will crunch the numbers and work out the immediate implementation of the President’s directive.
The President also directed the NTF ELCAC to propose specific programs and projects for continuous implementation of projects for the 5,430 barangays that have been part of the BDP program since its inception.
The President also directed the Cabinet to study the proposed 2024-2028 NTF ELCAC Roadmap. He directed the OPAPRU and the DND to submit their comments which seeks to institutionalize the NTF ELCAC’s transformation Program for combatants, their families, and barangays.
Under the proposed Roadmap, the NTF ELCAC has crafted a roadmap to ensure a path to unity, peace and development during the term of the Marcos Administration. The roadmap has 2 tracks:
- Track 1 addresses the primary issues and root causes of the communist armed conflict; emerge strong and dynamic communities, and institutionalize peace and development initiatives.
- Track 2 ensures that former rebels are fully mainstreamed to contribute to nation building, communities are empowered to resolve issues through a consultative decision-making process, and all sectors are united to resist threats of terrorism.
The Roadmap will significantly contribute to the President’s Philippine Development Plan 2023-2038 notably Chapter 13: Ensure Peace and Security and Administration of Justice.
Thank you.
