Army’s outreach program benefits Muslim kids in Aurora

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 14, 2021): Army’s outreach program benefits Muslim kids in Aurora (By Jason De Asis)

OUTREACH PROGRAM. Hundreds of children from the Muslim community benefit from the joint outreach program of the military and local government unit of Barangay Pingit, Baler, Aurora on Saturday (Aug. 14, 2021). During the event, a total of 200 children benefited from the feeding program while 50 others availed themselves of free haircuts. (Photo by Jason de Asis)

BALER, Aurora – Hundreds of children from a Muslim community benefitted from the joint outreach program of the military and local government unit of Barangay Pingit, Aurora on Saturday.

The outreach program was organized by the 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion, 7th Infantry, "Kaugnay" Division, Philippine Army, 307th Community Defense Center (CDC), 3rd Regional Community Defense Group (3rd RCDG), Army Reserve Command (Arescom), and Aurora Ready Reserve Infantry Battalion (ARRIBn).

During the event, a total of 200 children benefited from the feeding program while 50 others availed themselves of free haircuts.

Some 200 notebooks and 200 toys were distributed during the activity at the covered court of Barangay Pingit.

The outreach program was led by Lt. Col. Valentino P. Azarcon, battalion executive officer with the participation of Miss Universe candidate Charissa Claire Gonzalez, Yes For Peace headed by Sangguniang Kabataan chairwoman Judith Sindac of Barangay Calabuanan and local barangay officials headed by village chair Lysander Ritual Querijero of Barangay Pingit.

Lt. Col. Reandrew P. Rubio, commander of the Army’s 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion, lauded the joint efforts of giving importance to the Muslim community, saying that the outreach program shows that the government is caring for them.

“Our soldiers will continue to support and provide activities that aim to strengthen our partnership with the local governments, national government agencies, and other stakeholders to improve the economic, health and social well-being of our Muslim community in the province,” Rubio said in an interview.

Arescom director, Maj. Alfadzhar M. Salim, who is also a Muslim, said they want to make sure that the free government services will reach the people at the grassroots level.

“We are reaching out to the people to provide assistance as part of our mandate to serve the people just like the 91st IB while securing the land,” Salim said.

On the other hand, Maj. Edward Pineda, ARRIBn commander, said with the help of the different stakeholders, the Philippine Army reservist will continue to extend government programs and stakeholders’ support to help the Muslim communities.

“We are so grateful to get the chance to talk and serve them,” Pineda said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1150475