NTF-ELCAC strengthens collaboration with IPs

By Venus May Sarmiento / Philippine Information Agency

DAGUPA CITY – In cognizance of the important roles of the Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs) and Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in ending and preventing insurgency, the National Task Force to End Local Communists Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) conducted a nationwide provincial levelling session with the IPs to carry out the whole-of-nation approach in addressing peace and security concerns.

The first day of the three-day webinar had more than 800 participants from the provinces of Pangasinan for Region I, Quirino for Region 2, Bukidnon for Region 10 and South Cotabato for Region 12.

These included provincial government agencies, provincial, city and municipal local chief executives or representatives, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) personnel and members, ICCs, and IP Mandatory Representatives.

NCIP Commissioner Allen Capuyan, who also serves as the Executive Director of NTF-ELCAC Secretariat, said the presence of NTF-ELCAC framework of Good Governance through whole-of-government or whole-of-nation approach is a trigger and multiplier of efforts within the 1,400 plus ancestral domains.

Capuyan said the entry of agencies‘ support -programs to strengthen the ICCs/IPs Building Blocks through the NCIP provincial offices shall ensure the fulfilment of their respective mandates.

“Ang partnership ay paghawak-kamay, para we will build communities. Itayo natin ang pagpapalakas sa komunidad. Ito ay tinatawag na convergence,” Capuyan said.