Army Leads Gift-Giving Activity

From the Manila Bulletin (Nov 11): Army Leads Gift-Giving Activity

As an early Christmas gift to victims of atrocities, the Army conducted a gift-giving activity, stress debriefing, medical and dental mission, and repair of damaged barangay hall in a conflict stricken village in Compostela Valley. Troopers from the Army’s 71st Infantry Battalion (71IB) distributed toys, slippers, and food to at least 101 children from the village over the weekend, while a stress debriefing was also initiated with the help of Kiwanis Club of Tagum, Therma Marine Incorporated, Aboitiz Group of Company, and the local government of Maco. Free medical and dental services that benefitted 191 residents were also conducted. At least 43 residents availed of free cleaning and tooth extraction, while 148 others had their free medical consultation/check-up and subsequently were given appropriate medicines. Colonel Jerry Borja, 71IB commander said, “This activity will not be successful if there was no cooperation among the stakeholders. We are also thankful to the Barangay Council of Calabcab for their full support in this activity, and realized the importance of cooperation to have peace and development in their village.” A series of activities was also conducted to assess the adverse effects of violent attacks of the New People’s Army (NPA), and to help the residents of Barangay Calabcab, Maco, in Compostela Valley, especially children, to cope from their traumatic experiences.

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/380985/army-leads-giftgiving-activity