Looking for Troops’ Welfare: 53rd IB Launches “Adopt a CAFGU” Project

Constantly looking for the morale and welfare of its troops including its CAFGU Active Auxiliaries (CAAs), the Army’s 53rd Infantry “Matapat” Battalion (53IB) successfully launched the “Adopt a CAFGU Project” on December 14, 2020 in a simple ceremony held at 53rd IB Headquarters, Camp Sabido, Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur.

The “Adopt a CAFGU Project” is an initiative undertaken by the 53rd IB– set to be conducted in a period of 1 year– where the Matapat Troopers agree to provide necessary assistance, knowledge, and a structured pathway to all CAAs in the AO for them to achieve personal and professional growth.

Anchored on the facets of the ‘Personal Scorecard,’ the project seeks to develop the character and competence of CAAs and provide them a venue to attain wholistic development. The project will be evaluated quarterly in order to monitor the progress of the CAAs, and also if the targets are being attained.

According to 53rd IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera, this project is one way of looking for the morale and welfare of our CAFGUs, who play a vital role in maintaining peace and security in 53rd IB’s AO.

“This program is one of our ways to thank them [CAFGUs], including their morale and welfare. They play a very important role in maintaining peace and security, as they untiringly man the detachments to keep the people safe from various threats,” said Lt. Col. Herrera.

“We have programs for our troops and former rebels (FRs). The 53rd IB believes it is now high time to prioritize our CAFGUs and their welfare,” the 53rd IB Commander added.

After the signing of agreement, a Ceremonial Giving of Uniforms (PhilArPat) and Food Packs were held headed by Lt. Col. Herrera and 53rd IB Executive Officer Cpt. Bahnarin Camsa.

Also part of the Launching Ceremony was a medical serbisyo caravan for the CAFGU Post Commanders, their dependents, and the troops which was sponsored by different local government and rural health units.