The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) will focus on developing remote areas that were formerly controlled by communist through its Barangay Development Program (BDP) and Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP).

In a press conference on Monday, National Security Council Assistant Director General and NTF-ELCAC Strategic Communications Cluster Chair Jonathan Malaya explained that the BDP and RCSP aims to bring and maintain development in remote areas that were cleared from insurgency.

"Para hindi na makabalik 'yung mga NPA [National People's Army] sa lugar na iyon. Sinasabi ng Pangulo na tulungan ang pamahalaan na maidala 'yung development sa mga ito," Malaya said.

NTF-ELCAC executive director Ernesto Torres Jr., meanwhile, said that the BDP program is important as it meticulously identifies the type of projects that will be implemented in every barangay.

There are five core projects under BDP including farm to market road, school building, barangay health center, water and sanitation, and electrification.

According to Torres, BDP and RCAP are part of their 2023 roadmap to achieving peace in the country.

He said the objectives of the 2023 roadmap is to establish security and strengthen the weak barangay institution.

All member agencies of NTF-ELCAC and civil society organizations are encouraged to promote unity, latin peace and long-term development in the country, Torres said.

Written by Stephanie Anne Santos, DZRH News Online Intern