Army helps raise awareness in far-flung villages on COVID-19

From the Mindanao Times (Apr 9, 2020): Army helps raise awareness in far-flung villages on COVID-19 (BY RHODA GRACE SARON)

The 1003rd Infantry Brigade is helping stem the rise of COVID-19 cases by raising awareness on the best practices to prevent the spread of the virus.

Along with its four subunits, the 3rd, 16th, 89th and 56th Infantry Battalions used vehicles mounted with loudspeakers starting on April 7. They visited communities while playing important announcements on how people can help avoid the spread of COVID 19.

Capt. Erick Wynmer Calulot, the civil-military operations officer of the 1003rd IB, said the unit was able to simultaneously reach communities in Davao City and Davao Del Norte.

A loudspeaker operation is an activity under the Civil-Military Operations of the Philippine Army aimed at providing correct information to the people at the right time, especially during the pandemic.

Col. Nolasco A. Mempin, commander of the 1003rd IB, said “We are enjoining our citizens to heed to the government’s call to unite against the threat of COVID 19.

“Let’s stay home, wear a facial mask when going out, and observe social distancing,” Mempin said.

Lt Col. Joel Salaguinto, commander of the 16th Infantry Battalion, also said that they are conducting their own loudspeaker operation, particularly in the far-flung areas of Panabo City and Davao City.

Soldiers onboard military vehicles go around the communities to broadcast reminders on the need for sanitation, social distancing, prevention, and cooperation during these uncertain times.

The purpose of this operation is to enlighten the people to pay attention to the government’s call to stay at home and follow guidelines of the executive order,” the battalion commander said.

Also, the 16IB troops were tasked to render support operation to the local government units and other security forces in manning the checkpoints to manage the people’s movement in Panabo and Davao.

“We hoped that through these kinds of efforts, we are able to help the city government of Davao in conveying essential guidelines and reminders that will make the people aware, prepared, and cooperative in dealing with this crisis,” Salaguinto said.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2020/04/09/army-helps-raise-awareness-in-far-flung-villages-on-covid-19/