Army's community sharing highlights Easter celebration in Selinog Island

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 6, 2021): Army's community sharing highlights Easter celebration in Selinog Island (By Emmanuel D. Taghoy with reports from 97th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army)

DAPITAN CITY, Zamboanga del Norte, April 6 (PIA) – Easter Sunday is best celebrated when shared with others.

True to this, the 97th Infantry "Kalasaglahi" Battalion (97IB) and the 1st Civil Military Operations Battalion (1CMOBn) of the Philippine Army in partnership with the Kiwanis International, React Philippines and Local Government Unit (LGU) of Dapitan City made the event extra special with its community sharing to the residents of the Island Barangay of Selinog in Dapitan City.

The activity started with teams from Kiwanis International represented by Ms. Merlyn Maños, REACT Philippines represented by Dra. Rashmilla M. Cosain and the Army’s 97IB and 1CMOBn conducting psycho-social activities and feeding.

A total of 180 children received school supplies, hygiene kits, sanitization kits, pairs of slippers, face shields, face masks and toys.

LGU-Dapitan, represented by City Councilor Angelica J. Carreon, and the Army distributed packs of rice for 172 households of the Island.

Barangay Captain Felix B. Tuballa of Selinog, expressed his gratitude to the volunteers who came from the different parts of Mindanao for the initiative to reach-out and share during the Holy Week.

"Nakita man sad ninyo ang dakong kalipay nga gibati sa akong katawhan diri sa amoang barangay nga inyong nahatag, hilabi na sa amoang mga kabataan. Nakasiguro ko nga dili ug dili jud ni nila makalimtan nga bisag lisod ang kinabuhi namo diri sa isla, naa ra gihapo'y mga tawo nga andam mo-sakripisyo para mohatag og dakong tabang dinhi kanamo,” he said. (Your efforts have brought happiness to the residents of Selinog especially to the children. This will always be a beautiful reminder that despite the hard life here in the island, there will always be people who are willing to help.)



Lieutenant Colonel Manaros Boransing II, commanding officer of 97th IB, thanked the volunteers and donors from Kiwanis International, REACT Philippines, friends of 97IB, LGU- Dapitan City and Selinog Island for the successful conduct of the community sharing activity.

He emphasized the Christian’s Holy Week is a time for reflection and hope amidst the challenges brought about by the pandemic.

He noted help can come from different faiths and background just like the volunteers who are Christians, Muslims and other religions; Subanens, Bisaya, Tagalog, Ilocanos and others; teachers, media, government workers, private and business sector – all have collaborated and gathered to share with the community of Selinog Island. (NBE/EDT/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte/with reports from the 97th IB, Philippine Army)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1071500