NGO, Army renew partnership in giving aid to young students in AgSur

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 2, 2020): NGO, Army renew partnership in giving aid to young students in AgSur (By 26th Infantry Battalion)

TALACOGON, Agusan del Sur, Oct. 2 -- As advocates of education, the GMA Kapuso Foundation (GMAKF), together with the 26th Infantry (Ever Onward) Battalion (26IB), Philippine Army visited various public schools in Agusan del Sur on September 23-25, 2020.

The said activity was part of the "Unang Hakbang sa Kinabukasan" Project of the GMAKF, which aims to distribute school materials to incoming Kinder to Grade 2 pupils to different public schools in the Philippines especially those from distant communities.

A total of 960 pupils were given school materials to 11 chosen schools from the 26IB area of jurisdiction which are considered as geographically isolated and conflict-affected areas in Agusan del Sur.

In observance of COVID-19 protocols, the parents of the pupils personally received the school materials together with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) hygiene kits.

"We are glad that despite the fact that our school is geographically isolated in which two rivers need to be crossed, still it is given a chance to receive school materials for our pupils. This will minimize the burden of less fortunate families in providing school materials for their children," said Joel Painit, teacher-in-charge of Agsabu Elementary School, Brgy. Agsabu, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur.

To ensure safety during the three-day distribution of school materials, the 26IB under the leadership of Lt. Col. Reynald Romel A. Goce, provided security and manpower assistance which greatly contributes to the success of the said activity. "We are very lucky that the Philippine Army is always ready to move and give us assistance in order to succeed in our endeavor and advocacy in helping the less fortunate families especially here in Agusan del Sur," bared Aron Calma, GMAKF project staff.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Reynald Romel Goce, 26IB commanding officer expressed his gratitude to the GMAKF for choosing the schools under the jurisdiction of the battalion. "This kind of activity is a big contribution to the sustainment of peace at the same time to bring happiness to the people, making them feel that they are not forgotten," he said.

"Your Ever Onward troopers are always ready to extend necessary support to LGUs and NGOs as we assure you our full commitment on these noble undertakings," Goce added. (1Lt. Percival Carido, CMO, 26IB/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1054537