DFA CO in La Union Participates in Joint Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict

National Security Adviser and Vice Chairman of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) Hermogenes C. Esperon, Jr. (seated, fifth from right), La Union Governor Francisco Manuel “Pacoy” R. Ortega (seated, fifth from right),  Ilocos Sur Governor Ryan Luis V. Singson with the Mayors,  Line Agencies’ Heads, members of 12 Clusters of RTF-ELCAC and  private sectors (DILG I photo)

ILOCOS SUR 29 August 2019 — The Department of Foreign Affairs Consular Office (DFA CO) in La Union participated in the Joint Meeting of the Regional Development Council-Regional Peace and Order Council on the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) in Region I held at One Vittoria Hotel, Bantay on 02 August 2019.

The joint meeting aims to identify and implement the programs designed to promote peace and address the socio-economic needs of the residents in identified priority areas with the interventions of the services of both the national government agencies and local government units.

With the DFA as the lead agency of the RTF-ELCAC’s International Engagement Cluster, CO La Union’s Officer-In-Charge Estellita V. Casuga presented during the meeting the implementation plans of DFA and the support member-agencies of the cluster.

National Security Adviser and National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC)Vice Chairman of Hermogenes C. Esperon, Jr. spearheaded the said meeting which was participated in by La Union Governor Francisco Manuel “Pacoy” R. Ortega, Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew M. Manotoc, Ilocos Sur Governor Ryan Luis V. Singson and Pangasinan Gov. Amado I. Espino III with the respective Mayors in their cities and municipalities including the Line Agencies’ heads and members of 12 Clusters of RTF-ELCAC and private sectors.

During the meeting, updates on issues and concerns on regional socio-economic development and Peace and Security in Ilocos Region were presented. Identification of priority areas, updates on Execitive Order 70, RTF-ELCAC I milestones, convergence efforts and agency consolidated budgets, budget allocation for Region I programs and projects and the RTF-ELCAC’s 12 Clusters’ implementation plans were also discussed.

Secretary Esperon emphasized President Duterte’s policy on good governance and encouraged the military, the government agencies and civilians to work together to end local armed conflicts. END