ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Soldiers, local officials, and non-government organizations provided social services anew to the children in Kaulungan Island in Al-Barka, Basilan province.
Brig. Gen. Fernando Reyeg, Joint Task Force Basilan commander, said that the recipient-children from Barangays Lookbisaya and Sangkahan received school supplies, loot bags, and toys during the civic action program held Tuesday.
“Progress is an upshot of convergence rallied by pro-peace communities, such as the Kaulungan Island,” Reyeg said Wednesday.
Reyeg encouraged the children in the island, as Basilan’s hope, to pursue education and instill their positive values.
He said they have partnered with the local officials of Al-Barka municipality and the barangays of Lookbisaya, Sangkahan, Kuhun-Lennuh, Kuhon, Bucalao, and Cambug for the conduct of civic action in Kaulungan Island.
The program was also sponsored by the Nagdilaab Foundation, Inc., Save the Children of War Foundation, D'Biel Bus Company, JRS Business Corporation, Isabela Foundation Inc., 100 Happy Kids, and Basilan Community Hospital.
On October 28, the military helped resolve decades-long feuds that hampered the economy, education, and security in Kaulungan Island.
“By reaching out, we are empowering the youth to become active social actors for peace and nation-building because children in conflict-afflicted and far-flung areas are those who really cry in silence and yearn help, so things must really be done for them,” said Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief.
“The military is doing this out of its genuine object to bring about sustainable peace and development in Mindanao,” Sobejana added. (PNA)
