18/08/2026
𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐃𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐋𝐎𝐏𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓: 𝐉𝐓𝐆 𝐃𝐄𝐅𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑, 𝐃𝐄𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐎𝐅 𝐀𝐆𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐔𝐋𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 𝐀𝐃𝐕𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐘-𝐁𝐀𝐒𝐄𝐃 𝐖𝐏𝐒 𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐒
The 702nd Infantry (DEFENDER) Brigade welcomed Assistant Secretary James A. Layug, MNSA, of the Department of Agriculture (DA), and Vice-Chairperson, Socio-Economic Cluster of NTF WPS and Chairperson, Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) of NTF ELCAC during a courtesy visit and coordination meeting at Headquarters, 702nd Infantry Brigade, Camp Lt Tito B. Abat, Manaoag, Pangasinan, on August 18, 2026.
The engagement brought together representatives from the DA Regional Field Office 1, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) RFO 1, along with the Brigade Key Leaders, Battalion Commanders under JTG DEFENDER, and Commander TG KAAKIBAT
The Battalion Commanders under JTG DEFENDER presented their proposed projects and initiatives for fisherfolk communities, geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA), and People's Organizations (POs) within their respective areas of operations (AO). Discussions also highlighted initiatives supporting fisherfolk and coastal communities, particularly in relation to the West Philippine Sea (WPS), where stronger government presence, livelihood support, and community resilience remain vital.
The DA likewise presented its initiatives and programs in support of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), emphasizing the importance of harmonizing development interventions with government efforts to address the root causes of conflict and strengthen vulnerable communities.
The coordination meeting provided an avenue to align the proposed projects of JTG DEFENDER units with the programs and resources of the DA and its partner agencies, particularly those aimed at strengthening livelihoods, improving access to government support, and addressing the needs of communities.
Through a whole-of-government approach, the JTG DEFENDER remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote resilient communities, sustainable livelihoods, strengthened WPS awareness and engagement, and lasting peace and development across its area of responsibility.
We Defend Together!