QUEZON CITY – Apayao Governor Elias C. Bulut, Jr. was honored with the prestigious Gawad Parangal by the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) in commemoration of the task force’s 5th Anniversary.
The award ceremony took place at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on December 4, 2023.
Distinguished personalities from the Cordillera region were also recognized, including Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, represented by DILG Director Araceli San Jose, Kalinga Governor James Edduba, and PIA-Cordillera under the leadership of Regional Director Helen Tibaldo.
In representation of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., Special Assistant Secretary Antonio Lagdameo, along with National Security Adviser Secretary Eduardo Ano and NTF-ELCAC National Secretariat Executive Director Usec. Ernesto Torres, presided over the awarding of recognition to the deserving recipients.
The awardees were commended for their exceptional achievements and significant contributions to fostering long-term peace, unity, and sustainable development in conflict-affected areas within their respective communities and across regions.
The ceremony was attended by Cabinet secretaries, NTF-ELCAC members, military personnel, and former NTF-ELCAC leaders, including former NSA Secretary Hermogenes Esperon. President Marcos conveyed a video message through Secretary Lagdameo, and Vice President Sara Duterte shared her remarks through Secretary Ano.
Highlighting the accomplishments since its establishment in 2018, NTF-ELCAC emphasized, “throughout the numerous successes and achievements we have achieved since its inception in 2018, it is undeniable that the fruits of our labor are being sown and have been supported consistently by the current administration.” By PIO Apayao
