CITY OF TABUK, Kalinga (PIA) - - Members of the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) from national line agencies and local government units offered solutions to some of the priority projects of ELCAC barangays during a convergence forum held on September 26, 2023.
ELCAC barangays may submit to concerned agencies proposals of projects that are identified in the barangay development plan and duly endorsed by the local government unit and meet the criteria and guidelines set by the funding source.
The Department of Trade and Industry, aside from providing services through its regular programs , pledged to accept proposals under the Roads Leveraging Linkages of Industry and Trade or ROLL IT convergence program with the Department of Public Works and Highways on industry-developing infrastructure projects that aim to aid the growth of industry and trade.
Josephine Daliyong of DTI said there are proposals already submitted to DPWH for 2024 and 2025 funding and approval.
“DTI can also provide machines and access to finance to entrepreneurs producing and selling products to improve their competitiveness,” she said.
The National Irrigation Administration is also waiting for resolutions from barangays and irrigators associations. Division Manager Ferdinand Indammog said requests will be validated and coordinated with the Provincial ELCAC Task Force before their inclusion to NIA’s listing.
It was agreed during the forum to come up with an inventory of communal irrigation systems in the province to avoid duplication of projects.
On the part of the Department of Labor and Employment, Anthony Luminang urged local officials to prioritize the employment of students in ELCAC barangays under the Special Program for Employment of Students.
He also reminded beneficiary-organizations that have not settled their contract obligations to liquidate financial assistance received from DOLE in order not to set a bad record that affects other project proponents.
For the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Joyce Ducyogen reported there are three on-going projects in ELCAC barangays. The agency is committed to continue its support to small fishpond operators but advised proponents’ requests should pass first through their Municipal Agriculture Offices. She recommended for LGUs to allot an equitable share from their 20% development fund for fish production.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources urged punong barangays of ELCAC villages to register lands, subject for validation, for coverage under DENR’s reforestation projects.
Remedios Ramirez said they also accommodate through the CENROs proposals for small water impounding projects for 2025 to address the problems on supply and allocation of water in certain watershed community.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development reported several projects implement in ELCAC barangays under KALAHI-CIDSS, pledging to provide more assistance to organized groups under the Sustainable Livelihood Program and PAMANA or PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn program.
SWAD Team Leader Lorna Lumioan warned they will not cater livelihood proposals that engage proponents on conversion of forests into agricultural land like corn production.
On the part of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, Wilmer Bommosao reminded ELCAC communities on the Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act Law that requires validation of proposed projects and issuance of Free, prior and informed consent. He offered on behalf of NCIP to help project proponents on the preparation of project proposals.
For the Department of Health, PDOHO also welcomes requests for the construction of health facilities under its Health Facilities Enhancement Program, telling ELCAC barangays in advanced to meet first requirement on availability of lot.
The Kalinga State University also offers partnership with ELCAC barangays on extension services.
Other LGUs also reported their projects. (JDP/PAB-PIA CAR, Kalinga)
