AFP anniversary ushers care for the people, environment

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 12): AFP anniversary ushers care for the people, environment

The 77th Year celebration of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has diverted from the usual pomp and pageantry, this time focusing on its care for people and the environment through the conduct of simultaneous bloodletting and tree planting activities in all major military camps nationwide.  At the camp of the 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division (8ID), army elements and the officers held a bloodletting and tree planting on December 3 and 11. The same activity was done in all other army camps nationwide.

On December 3, with the Philippine National Red Cross Leyte Chapter, Local Government Unit of Catbalogan, Regional Community Defense Group, Army Reserve Command of the Philippine Army, Samar Provincial Police Office and other Civic Organizations conducted a bloodletting activity dubbed as “Dugo ko, Buhay mo” in line with the AFP’s Anniversary Celebration at the 8ID’s covered court. The activity generated 70 units or 31,500 cc of blood coming from generous blood donors. “The bloodletting activity is our continuing commitment in serving the Filipino people, we are donating our own blood not just intended for our own personnel but rather to the civilians who are in need of blood for any medical purposes.”, said 8ID Commander Major General Gerardo T Layug.

In a related event, the 8th ID together with partner government agencies, Philippine National Police and other Civic Organizations planted a total of 1,500 mahogany and star apple trees at the 8th ID grounds.  A total of 500 military personnel, City Government employees of Catbalogan City, Kabalikat Civicom members, and Samar Police Provincial Office personnel joined the environmental activity. (PIA Samar with Capt. Gene Orense DPAO)         

 http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1221355272446