Gains of ELCAC initiatives in ZamPen showcase during PRRD visit

By Emmanuel D. Taghoy / Philippine Information Agency

ZAMBOANGA CITY - The gains and challenges in the government’s initiative to end local communist armed conflict in the Zamboanga Peninsula region takes center stage today as President Rodrigo Duterte visited Zamboanga City to lead a joint meeting with the national and regional task force.

Prior to the President’s arrival, regional line agencies comprising the various clusters of ELCAC presented its accomplishments and spearheaded the turnover of programs and projects to bring development to the insurgency-cleared areas in Region 9.

Agencies like the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Department of Agriculture (DA) and Department of Agrarian Reform turned-over projects and programs to selected local government units in Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay provinces.

Provincial Governors and local officials who are also present in the joint NTF-RTF ELCAC meeting received the certificates for the beneficiaries.

Upon his arrival, President Duterte inspected developments in the Zamboanga International Airport which include the new Malasakit Hall that houses breastfeeding area, prayer rooms, PWD lounge and other amenities for the waiting passengers.

He also visited the Temporary Passenger Terminal Building (TPTB) of the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) for the inauguration of 143 Social and Tourism Ports and the Zamboanga City Seaport Development Project.

A marker of the Port of Busay in Sacol Island, as part of the ceremonial inauguration was also unveiled.

The initiative aims to provide better port infrastructure for the fishermen, banca operators and the riding public that shall in turn, enhance maritime mobility and connectivity, and open doors for economic, tourism and income-generating opportunities. (RVC/EDT/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte)