The Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry “Masaligan” Battalion assisted GMA Kapuso Foundation (GMAKF), Inc. in the distribution of school supplies and anti-COVID kits to recipient schools in Talisay City and Calatrava town on September 21-22, 2021.
As part of the Unang Hakbang sa Kinabukasan project of GMAKF, 79IB troopers provided security and manpower assistance in the hauling and distribution of school supplies to ten (10) recipient schools in Talisay City on September 21 and twenty-eight (28) schools in Calatrava town on September 22.
The troops together with Ms. Amabelle D. Rusiana, Regional Coordinator, GMAKF and her staff distributed 1, 209 bagpacks with notebooks, writing pads, pencils, sharpener, eraser, crayon and anti-COVID kits which include washable face masks, bar soaps, and alcohol.
Recipients of Unang Hakbang sa Kinabukasan project of GMAKF are the incoming Kindergarten and Grade 1 pupils but due to COVID-19 restrictions and protocols the items were received by their respective parents/representatives.
“This initiative of GMAKF aims to encourage young learners to continue striving for educational success specially those who are in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantage Areas”, said Ms. Rusiana.
She further thanked the Philippine Army for the assistance given to them to ensure the safe and unhampered delivery of the items.
Lieutenant Colonel J-jay T Javines, 79IB Commanding Officer said that, “Your Army in Negros fully supports the efforts of our partner stakeholders specially GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc. whose benevolence helps alleviate the effects of this pandemic. We assure you of our full committment and continued participation in these noble undertakings.”
Unang Hakbang sa Kinabukasan is a pillar project under GMAKF’s Education program. The anti-COVID kits distribution is an add-on, part of the ongoing ‘Operation Bayanihan: Labanan Natin ang COVID-19’ of GMAKF.