COBAGUIO CITY (PIA) -- The Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS) for the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) in the  Cordillera reaffirmed  his commitment to support peace-building efforts and development initiatives in conflict-affected areas and remote communities across the region.
 
Department of Transportation  Secretary Jaime Bautista,in his message conveyed by DOTr Cordillera assistant regional director Jose Villacorta during the second Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) convergence on March 26,  said he strongly supports the advocacy of promoting peace and development at the grassroots level.

Bautista said the railway, seaport, and airport projects of the Transportation department will enhance  government’s efficiency in reaching out to communities and barangays.

"This alignment complements DOTr's concept of transit-oriented development (TOD). TOD focuses on developing communities around transportation hubs like airports, seaports, train stations, or bus terminals," he  said. 

"This encourages residents to walk or use public transportation for daily needs, promoting a sustainable and community-centered approach. This is our version of grassroots development, and it reflects DOTr's commitment to the Retooled Community Support Program,” he stated.

The DOTr's support for the RCSP aligns with the national government’s  approach to addressing the root causes of insurgency and promoting sustainable peace.

The CORDS also underscored the importance of open communication and collaboration with DILG as a key partner in improving service delivery to communities.

“We have agencies within the regional offices that are always ready to support the RCSP,” he reiterated.

As the  new CORDS, Bautista is tasked to lead the Cordillera RTF-ELCAC and oversee the peace and development efforts in the region. His duties include facilitating the management of the whole-of-nation approach and whole-of-government participation, and championing  good governance in order to attain inclusive and sustainable peace in communities. (JDP/DEG-PIA CAR with Venus Mei Caguioa- BSU Intern)