The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) received three citations from the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) in a ceremony Friday night at Camp Aguinaldo marking the task force’s 6th anniversary.
The regional offices of the PIA in Ilocos, Cordillera and Caraga were among the individuals and groups recognized for their support to the programs of the NTF-ELCAC.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., represented by Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, and NTF-ELCAC National Secretariat Executive Director Ernesto Torres awarded the plaques to the awardees.
PIA Deputy Director-General for Regional Operations Ares Gutierrez received the awards on behalf of the Agency’s regional offices.
The PIA, the developmental communications arm of the national government, serves as lead agency of the strategic communications cluster of the NTF-ELCAC.
President Marcos earlier emphasized the need for continued determination and unity in their mandate to end the Communist insurgency in the context of the country’s quest for peace and progress.
In his speech marking the 6th anniversary of NTF-ELCAC at Camp Aguinaldo, Mr. Marcos lauded the government’s anti-insurgency body for its unwavering efforts to address the root causes of insurgency and rebuild communities affected by conflict.
The NTF-ELCAC, he said, was formed with a solemn promise to turn the tide against decades of division and violence.
Mr. Marcos also dismissed calls by Leftist groups for the abolition of NTF ELCAC which has been the game changer in the quest to defeating the CPP-NPA-NPA.
Also congratulating the Gawad Parangal Awardees for their dedication and service that have significantly contributed to the peace-building initiatives, he highlighted the collaborative efforts of government agencies, private individuals, institutions, and the general public in achieving significant milestones in combating insurgency.
He cited the success of various convergence programs such as the Barangay Development Program (BDP), Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), and ongoing amnesty program in uplifting the socio-economic conditions of vulnerable communities.
While acknowledging the progress towards lasting peace, Mr. Marcos emphasized the importance of vigilance and the need to adapt to emerging threats to national security.