Question & AnswerQ&A (IRR Republic Act No. 11037)
Executive Order No. 70 institutionalizes the Whole-of-Nation approach as a government policy for the attainment of inclusive and sustainable peace in the Philippines.
The Whole-of-Nation approach aims to address the root causes of insurgencies, internal disturbances, and armed conflicts by prioritizing delivery of basic services, social development, societal inclusivity, and active participation of all sectors of society in peace-building efforts.
The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) was created to ensure efficient and effective implementation of the Whole-of-Nation approach towards ending local communist armed conflict.
The President of the Republic of the Philippines chairs the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.
The Task Force includes the President as Chair, National Security Adviser as Vice-Chair, multiple Cabinet Secretaries such as Interior and Local Government, Justice, National Defense, Education, and others, as well as representatives from the private sector and key government agencies.
LGUs participate actively in implementing the Whole-of-Nation approach by facilitating delivery of services, peace engagements, and ensuring responsiveness to local needs as part of the national peace agenda.
The Task Force is mandated to formulate and implement a National Peace Framework, ensure inter-agency convergence, evaluate and integrate policies, organize multi-sectoral councils, develop strategic communication and peace plans, and recommend projects among others.
The National Peace Framework contains principles, policies, plans, and programs aimed at achieving inclusive and sustainable peace by addressing the root causes of insurgencies and is sensitive to local circumstances with mechanisms for localized peace engagements.
The National Secretariat, headed by an Executive Director appointed by the President, provides technical and administrative support, coordinates the Task Force's plans and programs, ensures implementation of directives, and assists in performance of its tasks.
All departments, bureaus, offices, government-owned or controlled corporations, state universities and colleges are directed to provide necessary support, and private sectors and NGOs are encouraged to participate in peace-building programs.
Initial funding is charged against existing appropriations of member-agencies, other sources identified by the DBM, and if necessary, the Contingent Fund. Subsequent funding is included in the annual budget proposals of concerned agencies.
The Task Force shall be rendered functus officio, meaning it will be dissolved or cease to operate once its purpose of ending local communist armed conflict is achieved or if dissolved earlier by the President.
A separability clause is included, providing that if any provision is declared invalid, illegal, or unconstitutional, other provisions not affected will remain in force and effect.
Yes, members (except private sector representatives) may designate alternates with rank not lower than Assistant Secretary to represent their offices, provided the alternates are fully authorized to decide on their behalf.
Two private sector representatives are members of the Task Force with a one-year term, appointed by the President upon recommendation, to provide perspectives and contributions from the private sector in peace efforts.