The Department of the interior and Local Government (DILG) Region IX successfully hosted the conduct of the Orientation for the DILG IX Regional and Field Officers on the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) on August 6, 2019 at Manuel Resort, Piñan, Zamboanga del Norte.

Participated in by the Provincial and City Directors, City Local Government Operations Officers (CLGOOs), Cluster Heads, Municipal Local Government Operations Officers (MLGOOs) and Regional Office Personnel, respectively, the one-day activity spearheaded by Regional Director Paisal O. Abutazil aimed to orient the regional and field officers on their roles in the Retooled Community Support Program, as main prime movers of the program at the field level.

Invited Resource Speakers during the activity were Major Mark Antony U. Ruby, P.A., Executive Assistant for Operations and Security, Office of the Secretary of the Interior and Local Government and National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) IX Regional Director Ariel T. Perlado, respectively.

In his message, Director Abutazil emphasized the important role of the MLGOOs in the Retooled CSP considering that various activities and initiatives have to be carefully planned and effectively carried out and coordinated in order to efficiently address the identified development gaps.

“Let us address the exiting gaps and strengthen coordination efforts with our partners through the various programs and projects to realize that long-desired goal of a peaceful and stable society. Being in the forefront of local governance, the role of DILG in the Retooled CSP is indispensable,” Director Abutazil said.

In consonance with the implementation of Executive Order No. 70 – Institutionalizing the Whole of Nation Approach in Attaining Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Peace, Creating a National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, and Directing the Adoption of a National Peace Framework, the Department under the stewardship of Secretary Eduardo M. Año, conceptualized RCSP in an effort to integrate national government programs and efforts through  a participatory approach by actively engaging the involvement of the sectors and communities in the farthest of barangays in the country.

In the course of his presentation, Maj. Ruby discussed the RCSP framework and structure, DILG roles and functions and the different mechanisms to ensure successful implementation of the program specifically targeting the marginalized and conflict-affected areas.

Further it was emphasized that the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) problem which has spanned for more than 50 years is not solely the responsibility of the military. Thus, strategies have to be coordinated with the people in the affected communities and sectors.

On the other hand, Director Perlado provided an Orientation for Government Executives on the Communist-Terrorist Group (OGE-CTG) Problems in the national and regional perspectives.

Participants were likewise provided with an opportunity to be clarified on issues and concerns during the open forum and plenary sessions.