6th ID soldiers give flowers, token and gifts to churchgoers on Heart's Day

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb  15): 6th ID soldiers give flowers, token and gifts to churchgoers on Heart's Day

Soldiers who could not celebrate Valentine's Day with their loved ones back home have other way of celebration Sunday, officials said today.

On heart's day, men and women soldiers went out of their way, proceeded to the Cotabato Cathedral and offered flowers, bouquets, tokens and smiles to persons they do not know personally.  Capt. Joan Petinglay, 6th Infantry Division spokesperson, said on orders of Maj. Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan, 6th ID chief, for soldiers "to spread love in simple but meaningful way" while still performing their duties as peacekeepers. The soldiers, armed with red roses, tokens in a form of hearts, and sporting smiles greeted Churchgoers at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in downtown Cotabato City.  "Give love and gets love in return," Petinglay said, explaining why the soldiers chose this kind of celebration. With the theme “Pusong Handog ng Kampilan para sa Mamamayan,” soldiers in complete uniform braved the scorching sun to give flowers, balloons and candies to churchgoers as they emerged from the Catholic Church. The 6th ID, in a statement, said the activity simply aimed to spread the spirit of love to the community they are serving. Surprised to see soldiers in complete uniform milling around the Church entrance, Aling Solima Vergara was reluctant at first, thinking something was wrong. She was surprised when a male soldier approached and offered her flowers then kissed her hands. Residents and Churchgoers, initially expressed surprise to see men in uniform just outside the cathedral on Valentine’s Day.  “It was an act of giving importance and appreciation to the mothers, the wives and the daughters who inspired and nurtured love in our families," a soldier who asked not to be named, said.

About 200 men and women, children and elderly (including men) were given the simple gifts and flowers, including Monsignor Antonio Pueyo, the mass celebrator on Sunday.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=857068