501 IB assures support to LGUs, communities

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 4): 501 IB assures support to LGUs, communities

ABUK CITY, Kalinga -- The military here gave the assurance that it will support the local government units, government agencies and communities. Col. Roger Salvador, Commanding Officer of the 501st Infantry Brigade, said the dual role of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) includes non-combative operations. This means helping the whole government deliver public service to all citizens especially the farthest barangays in the province infiltrated by the New Peoples Army (NPA) as contained in the Internal Peace and Security Plan or 'bayanihan" .  “We desire for an end state where governance is felt in all rural barangays; improved delivery of basic services by LGUs and NLAs; projects and programs being supported by stakeholders; and degrade armed threat to the level of local law enforcement,” Salvador said during the recent fellowship with media at their camp in Calanan, this city.

Under the bayanihan, Salvador said they have conducted information drive on livelihood, hygiene, and family planning; fixed or installed potable water source; provided medical and dental treatment; helped teachers and acted as teachers for the adult literacy program, and donated blood. They also support school sports program, assist the barangay council in settling disputes, conduct clean-up drives and tree planting activities; strengthen barangay tanod; assist in monitoring price of prime commodities; support anti-crime and anti-drug campaign; repair and maintain farm-to-market roads; facilitate needs of communities to reach concerned agencies; conduct youth leadership symposium; assist in preparing barangay project proposals and help in disaster preparedness and emergencies.

Salvador said they also 'expose corruption at the expense of our people'; seek solutions on malnutrition and illiteracy and empower people against intimidation from criminal groups. On anti-illegal drugs campaign, the 501st brigade reported it uprooted 30 marijuana plants at sitio Agub, Taggay, Pinukpuk and confiscated around 1,000 board feet of white lawaan and acacia lumber.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=171354516010