NTF-ELCAC Hails Speaker Romualdez’s Commitment to Fund Projects in NPA-Cleared Brgys

September 11, 2024

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) welcomed with great enthusiasm House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez’s commitment to deliver vital funding and infrastructure to communities freed from communist insurgency.

NTF-ELCAC Executive Director Ernesto Torres Jr. emphasized that Romualdez’s pledge will significantly advance the government’s mission of ensuring sustainable peace and development in these conflict-affected areas.

“This is a crucial step in our shared goal of building a lasting peace,” said Torres. “Speaker Romualdez’s commitment to funding and implementing critical barangay development projects are key to transforming these former insurgent strongholds into vibrant, thriving communities.”

Romualdez reaffirmed the House’s support for the Barangay Development Program (BDP), which has been instrumental in fostering inclusive growth in insurgency-free areas.

“We in the House of Representatives are fully committed to supporting the peace-building efforts in recently cleared areas. To consolidate these gains, I will advocate for more infrastructure and barangay development projects, which are crucial for long-term stability,” Romualdez declared.

"Rest assured, I will explore legislative measures to support this objective and exert efforts to convince our local executives in joining us for a whole-of-government approach in securing peace for our homeland,” the House leader added.

Torres stressed that these funds are essential for addressing the root causes of insurgency, such as poverty and the lack of access to basic services. With thousands of barangays needing assistance, he called for further expansion of the BDP to sustain momentum and extend development to all vulnerable communities.

“Speaker Romualdez’s call for enhanced funding ensures not only that these areas remain insurgency-free but also that they flourish economically and socially,” Torres noted, underscoring the strategic importance of long-term investments in infrastructure and local services.

Torres also highlighted the alignment of Speaker Romualdez’s statements with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s recent pronouncement as NTF-ELCAC Chairman. President Marcos reiterated the administration’s commitment to the BDP, stating that development is essential for lasting peace.

“Both our President and Speaker Romualdez understand that real peace is achieved by improving the lives of Filipinos in these areas,” Torres added.

The NTF-ELCAC is confident that the partnership between the executive and legislative branches, spearheaded by President Marcos and Speaker Romualdez, will pave the way for a peaceful and prosperous future for every Filipino.

“We look forward to working closely with the House of Representatives in realizing our shared vision of a peaceful and progressive Philippines,” Torres concluded.

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NTF-ELCAC MEDIA BUREAU

Ref: Joel M. Sy Egco

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