DAVAO ORIENTAL – The Provincial Government has recently launched Executive Order 70 of President Rodrigo Duterte or Whole-of-Nation Approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) in Barangay Maputi in the municipality of San Isidro.
Dubbed as “Oplan Maputi”, the program which was launched on November 12, signaled the start of the implementation of various government projects and programs set to be rolled out under the ELCAC.
Barangay Maputi, being one of the top ten priority barangays considered as vulnerable areas to armed conflict, is the fifth barangay in the province where the ELCAC program was launched. The program is being rolled out in the province through Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang Executive Order No. 13 which localized its implementation.
“The ELCAC bids to reach out to the people and educate them of the government’s peace and order campaign by bringing services closer to the people in order to achieve peace and sustainable development,” said PTF-ELCAC Vice-Chairman Mr. Ednar Dayanghirang.
He said that the program intends to strengthen the efforts of the government in reaching out to remote barangays by pooling the programs of the various provincial government offices, national line agencies, civil society organizations, and private organizations.
Vice-Chairman Dayanghirang said the program’s chief aim is to win the heart and minds of the people, especially those in areas noted to be infested with the Communist-Terrorist Group New People’s Army. “ The mass supporters bring confidence to the rebel group, and for so long as the New People’s Army is still getting support from the masses, threats to peace and order will still go on,” he said.
“Lipay kayo ang mga tao diri karon (tungod sa presenya sa gobyerno) kay ang kasagaran ang rason sa uban kung ngano sila mu-suporta sa pikas grupo kay dili nila makita ang gobyerno. Sauna, wala jud ni sila kaila ug gobyerno. Bisan ting-eleksiyon, poster ra ang muabot dinhi sa amoa,” said the Tribal Chieftain, Robert Tigbakon. (We are happy (that the government is here) because that’s what the government’s absence is the people’s usual reason why they would support the rebel group. Before, they do not know the government. Even during the election period, what reaches us are just posters.)
“We are here not only to deliver services but to encourage you to work together for our peace and development,” he added.
Present during the launching were Davao Oriental Police Provincial Office Provincial Director Police Colonel Joselito Loriza, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)Provincial Director Mr. Orle Cabaobao, the Municipal Mayor of San Isidro Hon. Justina B. Yu, and the 28th Infantry Kamagong Battalion Executive Officer Major Gideon Torino also appealed to the residents of Barangay Maputi to give their support to the government.
Similar to the other barangays where E070 is launched, Barangay Maputi will be receiving scores of government projects and services.
During the launching, immediate medical services were given by the province’s medical team and the Philippine Army that includes free medical check-up, “Operation Tuli” on young boys, eye consultation, and distribution of free medicines.
PhilHealth also turned over Member Data Records to a hundred residents.
Moreover, sets of other programs are yet to be received by the village in the coming days. By Shaye Dacles
