FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila - As Christmas approaches, the Secretary of National Defense (SND) Delfin N. Lorenzana personally gives gifts to the wounded Philippine Army personnel today, December 10 at Army General Hospital.
The activity was part of the Department of National Defense’s Christmas tradition project KAPAGDAKA (Kapakanan at Gabay sa Dating Kaanyuan) that promotes the welfare of persons with disabilities particularly with the soldiers who were injured during their mission.
Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Gilbert I. Gapay assisted the Secretary in giving grocery items and cash incentives to around 36 wounded soldiers, who were with their dependents.
“Ito po’y nagbibigay sa amin ng tuwa at moral na kami po ay nabibigyan ng pamasko. Kami po ay nagpapasalamat sa mga binigay niya na aginaldo. Kami rin po ay natutuwa na kami po ay binigyan niya ng pansin at halaga,” said Sgt. Renato Eucogco who is currently recovering at the hospital after he lost his legs during the Marawi Seige in 2017.
Lorenzana in his message also emphasized additional programs under KAPAGDAKA such as the distribution of wheelchairs and assistive devices; livelihood trainings for Wounded-In-Action (WIA) soldiers and their dependents; skills development opportunities to equip the WIA as they return or get discharged from the service; and other future programs that will further provide assistance to the wounded troops.
“Let me express my most serious thanks to you all for your great service to the nation, even risking your lives to serve our country and the people. I hope that you find comfort with the assurance that the government is at your back to support you and your families. You may have lost or injured a part of your body, but your spirit has definitely become stronger,” said Lorenzana.#