GOVERNMENT soldiers spent a day off treating Lumad (indigenous people) children to a simple Christmas gift-giving activity in Bukidnon last week.
Around 3,000 pupils from 11 public elementary schools in the province received early Christmas gifts from the joint partnership of the army's 8th Infantry Battalion (8IB) and GMA Kapuso Foundation last November 14 to 16.
The three-day simultaneous gift-giving activity dubbed as "Maagang Pamaskong Handog" was launched in the identified conflict-affected areas in Bukidnon in collaboration with the local government units (LGUs) of Malaybalay City and towns of Impasug-ong, Manolo Fortich and Malitbog.
The children were given toys, food, hygiene kits, and bags.
Lieutenant Colonel Ronald Illana, 8IB commanding officer, said that with this activity, the military and its partners could at least help and share blessings to the children.
"Not all of us are given a chance to have a comfortable living. But with this simple activity, we can help the community a little by giving some of ours especially to the Lumad youths, who are vulnerable being the main targets of the communist terrorist groups," Illana said.
"Each of us plays a vital role in the community. Thus, we are all part of the solution. Now is the time that we all help each other for the problem of one, if left without any solution will become the problem of all and will greatly affect the future of our nation," he added.