REACHING OUT. Soldiers and non-government organization workers distribute school bags to pupils of the S. Midal Elementary School in Barangay Tinungkaan, Upi, Maguindanao, during an outreach program on Tuesday (Sept. 24, 2019). A similar activity was also held at the Kibleg Elementary School in Barangay Kibleg of the same town where schoolchildren were given 350 sets of dental kits and slippers, among others. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)
CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Army troopers based in the hinterlands of Maguindanao have partnered with non-government organizations (NGOs) to bring smiles to schoolchildren in far-flung areas, an Army official said Wednesday.
Maj. Gen. Diosdado Carreon, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID) and head of the Joint Task Force Central, said the Army’s 603rd Infantry Brigade and the 6th Infantry Battalion have partnered with several NGOs to intensify the Army’s outreach programs in its areas of operation.
On Tuesday, the Army partnered with STI-Cotabato led by School President Jefferson Bacurnay, ABS-CBN South Central, the Bangsamoro Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education, and McDonald's Cotabato in an activity that gave smiles to indigent school children in barangays Tinungkaan and Kibleg, both in Upi town.
The group first visited the S. Midal Elementary School in Sitio Pencian, Barangay Tinungkaan where the children greeted them with cheers.
“Schoolchildren in upland communities of Maguindanao could hardly avail of government services due to distance and the coming over of soldiers and its partners provide them hope and entertainment as well,” Carreon said.
A total of 152 pupils received bags containing school supplies, “malong” (Muslim tube skirt), and slippers, he said, adding that toys were also given to kindergarten and Grades 1 to 3 pupils.
McDonald's Cotabato, meanwhile, provided food packs and presented their mascots to provide the children with some entertainment.
In a separate activity, 350 sets of dental kits and 350 pairs of slippers were distributed to the students of the Kibleg Elementary School in Barangay Kibleg of the same town.
On top of it, 44 pupils availed of free haircut while both the students and parents were provided with lectures on teenage pregnancy and good parenting. The activity formed part of the foundation anniversary of the Kibleg Elementary School.
“The smile we put on people’s faces is what really matters. Their happiness gives us a sense of fulfillment,” said Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, chief of the Armed Forces’ Western Mindanao Command, after receiving the report from 6ID about the outreach program.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1081382
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