MANILA – With the successful conclusion of this year’s Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE), the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) on Thursday urged all newly-elected officials to take a more active role in promoting unity, peace and development.

“Being the basic unit of the local government, the NTF-ELCAC acknowledges the significant role of barangay (village) officials in delivering basic services that are impactful to the lives of each of their constituents,” it said in a Facebook post.

Also, the task force extended its congratulations to the newly-elected “Sangguniang Kabataan” officials and noted their important role in leading the Filipino youth.

“We also recognize the role of our SK officials to serve as exemplars for every Filipino youth, leading them towards a path of peace and nation-building illuminated by love for one’s country,” the NTF-ELCAC said.

With the task force promoting unity, lasting peace and inclusive development through the Barangay Development Program (BDP), the NTF-ELCAC is also encouraging BSKE officials, particularly in areas affected by the New People’s Army insurgents, to actively participate in identifying the root causes of socio-economic issues and finding solutions to these problems affecting the communities there.

“We have high hopes to the future contributions of our newly-elected leaders as part of our Regional Task Force ELCAC. We are all depending on you to perform the mandate of your respective offices and fulfill your sworn duty to our people from whom all government authority emanates,” it added. (PNA)