GIFT GIVING. Department of National Defense officer in charge, Undersecretary Jose C. Faustino Jr. (right), shares a light moment with combat-wounded troops during the gift-giving and visitation activity at the function hall of the Army General Hospital in Fort Bonifacio, Metro Manila on Dec. 6, 2022. Faustino said the gift-giving activity is meant to uplift the morale of combat-wounded soldiers and recognize their sacrifice and service to the country. (Photo courtesy of PA)
MANILA – Combat-wounded troops recuperating from their injuries at the Army General Hospital (AGH) in Fort Bonifacio, Metro Manila received Christmas packages from Department of National Defense (DND) officer in charge, Undersecretary Jose C. Faustino Jr., on December 6.
Philippine Army (PA) spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad, in a statement Thursday, said the activity took place at the function hall of the AGH.
"Combat-wounded troops recuperating at the AGH received Christmas packages during the gift-giving and visitation activity led by DND officer in charge, Undersecretary Jose C. Faustino Jr., and Army vice commander Maj. Gen. Adonis R. Bajao at the AGH Function Hall, Fort Bonifacio, Metro Manila on Dec. 6, 2022," he said.
Bajao and PA Headquarters and Headquarters Support Group (HHSG) commander Brig. Gen. Moises M. Nayve Jr. assisted Faustino in distributing the gift packs to the recuperating troops.
Faustino said the gift-giving activity is meant to uplift the morale of combat-wounded soldiers and to recognize their sacrifice and service to the country.
”Hindi man ito sapat upang masuklian ang sakripisyong inialay ninyo para sa ating bayan at mga kababayan, nawa ay magsilbi itong paalala sa ating mga kasundaluhan na walang maiiwanan, walang mapapabayaan. Sisikapin naming matugunan ang inyong pangangailangan bilang mga bayani ng ating bayan (While this may not be enough to compensate you for the sacrifices you made for the country and our fellow Filipinos, this will remind our soldiers that no one will be left behind and neglected. We will try to ensure that we provide for your needs as befitting a hero of the country)," he said.
The activity is part of the DND's Christmas tradition project called "KAPAGDAKA" (Kapakanan at Gabay sa Dating Kaanyuan), which promotes the welfare of soldiers who were injured during the fulfillment of the mission. (PNA)
