Poverty reduction, livelihood, and employment programs launched in Talakag town

TALAKAG, Bukidnon, July 1 (PIA) – In-support of President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s Executive Order (EO 70), institutionalizing a whole-of-nation approach in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace in the country, various government agencies in Northern Mindanao have extended their services and livelihood assistance to the residents of Lantud here during the recently concluded regional launching of the Proverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC)-10 led by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-10.

As one of the line of efforts (LoEs) under the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC)-10, PRLEC-10 has invited all its member-agencies to join the said activity to bring their programs and services in the area. 

TESDA-10 Regional Director Tarhata Mapandi said, “Pag sinabing gagawin, gagawin natin! hindi tayo pa tumpik-tumpik yung po din promise, yun po din ang commitment ng ating PRLEC line-agencies (When we say we will do it, then we will do it. We cannot have second thoughts. This is the promise, and commitment of PRLEC line-agencies.)”

Despite the challenges of coronavirus diseases 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the Northern Mindanao Regional Task-Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) – 10 perseveres through its campaign in attaining peace and sustainable development, especially in far-flung areas.

Meanwhile, Col. Ferdinand T. Barandon of the 403rd “Peacemaker” Brigade said “Napaka importante itong PRLEC cluster sapagkat ito ang mag aadress ng mga issues na usually ginagamit ng NPA para mag recruit, yung issues on poverty, unemployment, lack of option for the people (This cl PRLEC cluster is very important because this will address issues that are usually being used by the NPA to recruit such as ssues on poverty, unemployment and lack of option for the people.)”

He added that partner-agencies have “ensured to sustain projects they have provided and that is the objective of the cluster and the army to convert this conflict affected areas into resilient communities.”

By creating a value chain of sustainable economic activity and development in Talakag, the Northern Mindanao RTF-ELCAC aims to capacitate and empower the indigenous communities to attain peace and development in the country. (VPSBautista/PIA10)