February 7, 2019
Mawab, Compostela Valley Province – With the utmost desire to provide more classrooms for the learners and teachers, 71st Infantry (Kaibigan) Battalion in partnership with ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation Incorporated has turned-over One-Building Two-unit Classroom equipped with arm chairs, teacher’s table, lights, boards, and comfort rooms and has an estimated value of 2 Million Pesos to Gubatan Elementary School at Barangay Gubatan, Maco, Compostela Valley Province on February 06, 2019. Lieutenant Colonel Esteveyn Ducusin, Battalion Commander of 71st IB said, “This is a result of Community Support Program (CSP) wherein base in Need Assessment Survey (NAS) we have found that this school needs more classroom. As the bridge of the community to the stakeholders, we facilitated a request to ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation Incorporated. Consequently, the request is immediately served.” Regardless of the fact that Barangay Gubatan is considered a Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Area (GIDA) where delivery of assistance entails a lot of effort, 71st IB took initiative to link and coordinate with the foundation. Thus, the project is realized. On 2017, CSP Team of 71st IB was deployed to assist the peace and development at Brgy. Gubatan that was threatened by the presence of Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) and its mass supporters. Thereafter, the unit was able to facilitate more or less 100 NPA surrenderees which led to stable security situation and resulted to fast and safe facilitation of different projects therein. ABS-CBN Foundation represented by Mr Paul Palacio said, ““Salamat kay kami namahimong instrumento sa inyong kalampusan. Mga bata, maningkamot og skwela. Basin sa kalisod atong paningkamotan na makalampos sa pag-eskwela.” (We are thankful because we become instrument of your success. To the pupils, be diligent in studying. Despite adversities, remain steadfast for you to be successful.) On the other hand, the Chairman of Barangay Gubatan Hon Arniel T Fernandez expressed his gratitude and said, “Ang mga katawhan sa among barangay nagpasalamat og daku dili lang sa pagpatukod og classroom ani nga skwelahan apil sa usab sa makanunayong kalinaw.” (The people of this barangay are thankful not only for building a classroom at this school but also for the constant peace and order within the barangay.” Indeed, today marks the celebration of partnerships between private stakeholders, Local Government Unit, Department of Education and Philippine Army. Celebration because despite the road condition and area location, the project is completed within the given period. Further, the pupils, teachers and parents along with the other residents of the barangay have expressed gratefulness for having received a project that would not only benefit the pupils of this school year but also for pupils of the next years to come. For the parents, this classroom will serve as a starting point as children work hard for their dreams and aspirations in life. It was recalled that last January 29, 71st IB also turned-over two (2) unit classroom to Mambing Elementary School in New Corella, Davao Del Norte. Certainly, the Kaibigan Troopers is leading the way in serving the people. Ducusin said, “We will continue to facilitate project such as this. We are always your partner for peace and development.” Undeniably, the 71st Infantry (Kaibigan) Battallion does only excel in perpetrating the enemy but also in engaging in civic affairs by being a bridge to reach the projects of stakeholders to far-flung communities. Honorable Alvera Veronica R Rimando, Municipal Mayor of Maco personally appeared and delivered her message of support. Other guests who witnessed the program and gave their message of gratitude are Ms. Carina Frasco and Mr. Noel B Canales, both are officials from Department of Education (DepEd), Division of Compostela Valley Province.