Soldiers Celebrate Christmas Helping People

From the Manila Bulletin (Dec 23): Soldiers Celebrate Christmas Helping People

True to the spirit of "bayanihan" many soldiers will miss Christmas with their families this year as they continue to conduct humanitarian operations in typhoon-stricken areas of Mindanao. Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Jessie D. Dellosa flew to Mindanao two days before Christmas to visit and join them in their ongoing relief operations and to personally hand over the military's assistance for victims of "Pablo." Dellosa first proceeded to the 67th Infantry Battalion (67 IB) headquarters in Davao where he was scheduled to get a briefing from the Task Force Davao. Dellosa was also expected to also hand over the AFP’s relief assistance in a simple symbolic ceremony to the task force commander.

From the 67th IB, the AFP chief was to visit the 66th Infantry Battalion (66 IB) headquarters in Banganga, Compostela Valley, also to turn over donations and relief assistance before he proceeds to Panacan, Davao City to join in relief operations conducted by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in region 11 and the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom). The AFP has generated more than P19 million in contributions and donations from the soldiers, as well as from the savings in the reduced AFP anniversary celebration last Friday. The AFP was also able to accumulate savings from cancelled Christmas parties in its units and offices. The Department of National Defense (DND), Armed Forces and Police Mutual Benefit Association, Inc. (AFPMBAI), and the Armed Forces Savings and Loans Association, Inc. (AFPSLAI) also pitched in with their donations. Dellosa was also expected to meet with the National Youth Leadership Summit (NYLS) officers who are in Davao City conducting relief assistance.

“More than the cash donations, a simple gesture of physical support will encourage and inspire the typhoon victims to slowly stand up and look forward to a brighter tomorrow," said Dellosa. "The Armed Forces of the Philippines since day one has been with our people conducting search, rescue, and relief operations alongside other government agencies and civilian organizations. Although some of our soldiers conducting humanitarian and relief operations will miss Christmas with their families, the AFP will continue to render its selfless support to the typhoon victims,” he said.

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/386905/soldiers-celebrate-christmas-helping-people