IBA, Zambales — Gov. Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr. laid out his plan on how to properly and accurately address communism and insurgency during a forum at the Balin Sambali Community Center here on February 12.

Expressing a strong commitment to support the “whole-of-nation” approach set by President Rodrigo Roa Rodrigo through Executive Order No. 70, Ebdane unveiled a plan built upon stakeholder collaboration.

Ebdane convened the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF ELCAC) for this purpose and the activity was facilitated by DILG Zambales led by Provincial Director Armi V. Bactad, in coordination with the provincial government of Zambales.

Members of the PTF ELCAC from different national agencies in Zambales, as well as and department heads at the provincial capitol, attended the forum.

Bactad said the activity served as an avenue for all stakeholders in the province to strengthen their support and commitments to end Local Communism.

Members of the task force were told to prepare their plans, programs, projects, and activities for the province to have unified action plan in maintaining peace and order situation across the Province of Zambales.

The whole-of-nation approach addresses the root cause of insurgencies, internal disturbances and tensions, and other armed conflicts and threats by prioritizing and harmonizing the delivery of basic services and social packages by the government.

The approach also called for facilitating societal inclusivity, and ensuring active participation of all sectors in the society in the pursuit of the country’s peace agenda. — Stephany A. Panaligan