Army, NGO Conduct Outreach Programs in Zamboanga del Sur Far-flung Barangays

Installation of Solar Lights, Medical mission, feeding program, psycho-social for teenagers, and gift-giving for mothers and children were conducted in the hinterlands of Pawan on March 5 while psycho-social activities were held for soldiers in 53IB Bravo Company Headquarters in Datu-Tutukan on March 6.

Combined Civil-Military Operations of different Philippine Army units including the 53rd Infantry “MATAPAT” Battalion (53IB), 547th Engineering “AGILA” Battalion, 1st Field Artillery “BEAT ‘EM” Battalion, and 1st Cavalry “TAGAPANGUNA” Battalion together with Non-Government Organization (NGO) volunteers conducted outreach programs in far-flung barangays of Datu-Tutukan in Dumingag Municipality and Pawan in Midsalip, Zamboanga Del Sur on March 5-6, 2021.

Civilian volunteers from Saka sa Kaugmaon nga Hamugaway (SKH) Initiative NGO in partnership with the said Army units spearheaded the outreach program activities in the said barangays.

“These outreach programs show that the government is caring for the communities in remote areas,” 53IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera said.

“We are reaching out to the people in the hinterlands to provide assistance as part of our mandate to serve the people while securing the land,” 53IB Bravo Company Commander 2Lt. Niel Kim Garcia said.

“We are so grateful to get the chance to talk to them and hear them out and there is nothing that you want to do but think of how you will be able to help them reach those innocent and modest dreams not only for themselves but for the whole community,” SKH founder and Dumalinao Mayor Junaflor Ceriles said.