OUTREACH PROGRAM. Soldiers of the Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion Battalion conduct free haircut on children as part of the outreach to the Indigenous Peoples community students in Lutayan, Sultan Kudarat on June 11, 2019. (Photo by Cpl. Mark Jay Kadtong - 33rd IB)
ISULAN, Sultan Kudarat – The Army's 33rd Infantry Battalion went out of their way to conduct an outreach program for the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) group in a far-flung village of Lutayan town, Sultan Kudarat, early this week.
Lt. Colonel Elmer Boongaling, 33IB commander, said Wednesday the soldiers--headed by Capt. Winston Cacatian and 2nd Lt. Nico Encarnacion-- conducted medical and dental services, distribution of free medicines and vitamins, health checkups, and free haircut for children.
Supported by Lutayan Medical Team headed by town health chief, Dr. Wiljun Pangarintao, the outreach benefited a total of 256 residents.
Boongaling said at least 186 pairs of slippers were also given to pupils as part of the outreach program.
Speaking to the residents, Encarnacion warned of the villagers not to believe in the propaganda of the communist New People's Army (NPA) against the government.
He said the NPA was only interested in recruiting villagers to fight for a lost cause, and that the residents must reject the attempts of the rebels to place the area under its influence.
The military official said that contrary to the NPA's claim, the government has an array of programs for the development of IP communities.
“The government cares for the IPs and that basic services are coming to them, including settlement and resolution of their ancestral domain claims,” Encarnacion said.
Lutayan Vice Mayor Noel Antonio, who was present in the program, assured the IPs of the government’s concern for them.
Antonio said local leaders and military officials will join hands to delivering basic services to IP villages. (PNA)
