Army continues to deliver community projects

TABUK CITY, Kalinga -- The peace and order situation of Kalinga is better this year compared to the previous years as far as insurgency is concerned.

Colonel Roger Salvador, 501st Brigade commanding officer, said this could be credited to the continuous effort of the government troops in implementing community projects in the province.

He said that at present, only 60 individuals in their area of responsibility (AOR) are still blinded by their idealism and are still conducting subversive activities like extortion, recruitment of youngsters and others.

He said through the Internal Peace Security Plan “Bayanihan,” the Army these days is focusing more on community development projects. This, he added, would bring government closer to the people through its troops to gain back the people’s trust and strengthen the government troops’ relation with communities while endeavoring to attain peace by helping communities cope with poverty.

Among the projects being conducted by the Armed Forces in the communities, especially those affected by insurgency, are road opening and improvement, construction of schools, environmental programs, medical missions, Brigada Eskwela, assistance during calamities and several others.

Just recently, elements of the 21st Infantry Battalion (IB) under the leadership of Colonel Felix Benitez, in partnership with the 1st Reserve Battalion and the 206th Community Defense Center, have conducted a medical mission in Malalao Central School of Tabuk City benefiting at least 114 pupils.

First Lieutenant Jerome Yee, Civil Military Operations officer of the 21st IB, said that of the 114 beneficiaries, 31 availed of the free dental check-up and services; 56 children got their free haircut; while 27 were circumcised for free.

Last July 16, elements of the 21st IB conducted an extended “Brigada Eskwela” at Western Tabuk District in Barangay Tuga of Tabuk City. Then on July 17, the government troops also conducted another Brigada Eskwela at Malayugan Elementary School in Barangay, Santa Maria in Flora, Apayao.

During said events, skilled troops made minor repair works in the school and conducted beautification projects.

Yee said this is in support to other government agencies like the Department of Education.

With its headquarters at Barangay Calanan of Tabuk City, Kalinga, the 501st Infantry Brigade AOR covers Kalinga, Apayao and Mt. Province. The 21st IB encamped at Pinukpuk, Kalinga is under the command of the 501st Brigade. (Geraldine Dumallig)