8IB joins nation in AFP 80th anniversary celebration, leads gift-giving to Lumad IDPs in Bukidnon

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 25): 8IB joins nation in AFP 80th anniversary celebration, leads gift-giving to Lumad IDPs in Bukidnon

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon — Joy filled the hearts of Talaandig Lumads who were displaced from their ancestral lands in Agusan del Sur as the soldiers of the 8th Infantry Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army (8IB, 4ID, PA) visited them on December 21, in their temporary refuge in Barangay St. Peter, Malaybalay City, bringing along various services through a community outreach program.

Ltc Lennon G Babilonia, commanding officer of the 8th Infantry Battalion, said the soldiers offerred various gifts and services, which is also part of their activities as the nation celebrates the AFP’s 80th anniversary.

In partnership with the local government of Malaybalay, Soriano Philippines Community Health Foundation, Bukidnon Pulangui River Lion's Club, Propelling Our Inherited Nation Through our Youth (POINTY), Inc., and Bukidnon Photographers' Group,organized the gift-giving and delivery of services to Lumads such as tooth extraction, free haircut, eye check-up, giving of free reading glasses, giving of vitamins, distribution of relief packs and slippers, conduct of help portrait, and free circumcision for children.

Around 1,000 Lumads and IDPs benefited in the historic event that portrayed “Bayanihan (cooperation)” at its finest.

While the activity goes along that day, the 8IB’s ‘Dependable Band’ serenaded the crowd with beautiful Christmas songs and hymns of patriotism and peace.

Since early December, 8IB has utilized the band to serenade various communities and households on a fundraising mission for Lumad IDPs community outreach projects.
Seeing the fruits of labor, band members were so delighted to see the Lumads extremely happy with all the services brought to them.

"Sulit ang pagod namin at wala nang mas higit na masaya pa kaysa sa makita ang mga kapatid nating Lumad na nagagalak sa aming mga mumunting handog (Our efforts are all worth it and nothing could ever be more joyous for us than seeing our brother Lumads happy with our little gift),”Pfc Sarmiento, the band's assist, said.

“On the 80th AFP Anniversary celebration, the 8th Infantry Battalion continues to be a beacon of goodwill and trust among the people of Bukidnon. Contrary to the moronic allegations of the NPA and all its cohorts against our soldiers, the activity has portrayed a true image of the Bayanihan spirit and the love of country that our troops possess as they render their services to the Filipino people. After all, the 8th Infantry Battalion, the Philippine Army and the Armed Forces of the Philippines remain to be the true soldiers of the Filipino nation,” Ltc. Babilonia said.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1501450851239/8ib-joins-nation-in-afp-80th-anniversary-celebration-leads-gift-giving-to-lumad-idps-in-bukidnon