Kalinga Gov. James Edduba recognized by NTF-ELCAC for his outstanding contributions in peace and security programs

Tabuk City Kalinga - Kalinga Governor James Edduba has been cited by the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) recently as an outstanding contributor to the advancement of peace, security, and development in conflict-affected areas in the country.

The recognition showing Edduba's commitment to the peace and order mission of the task force was given during a formal ceremony held on December 6, 2024, at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, Metro Manila.

The award was conferred by National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan, and NTF-ELCAC National Secretariat Executive Director Ernesto Torres.

Kalinga Provincial Legal Officer Atty. John Paul Baguiwan received the award on behalf of Governor Edduba.

Why did Edduba receive the award?

James Sagmayao Edduba, since he assumed his office in 2022, has been actively stressing inclusive development, local peace initiatives, and addressing root causes of insurgency.

Edduba is also working closely with the Cordillera Regional Task Force (ELCAC) and the DILG in implementing community empowerment programs, livelihood programs for former rebels, and the development of infrastructure in the conflict-affected areas of the province.

This year alone, through the peace and reintegration efforts of Edduba, a former member of a communist terrorist group in the province who surrendered willingly to the Philippine Army received P2.3 million in financial and livelihood assistance.

This support was made possible by the DILG fund.

The aforementioned efforts have significantly improved the quality of the lives of the residents of the conflict-affected communities and diminished the impact of the insurgents in Kalinga.

Edduba's peace and order and development initiatives, according to the citation, helped push the national government's mission towards ending years of armed conflict in the country, thus he was worthy to be conferred the award.

Under his leadership, Kalinga became a model for other provincial LGUs to also advance the objectives of the NTF-ELCAC—to end arm conflicts, encourage insurgents to return to the fold of law, to give them assistance, and to give them another chance to live as normal people, among others.

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) is the whole-of-nation approach to attain inclusive and sustainable peace.