Army donates school supplies to Maguindanao schoolchildren

By BITOON A RANAO

July 29, 2019

OUTREACH PROGRAM. Lt. Col. Rogelio Gabi, Army’s 40IB commander, leads partner organizations in distributing school supplies and other treats to pupils of the Midpandacan Elementary School in Barangay Midpandacan, General Salipada K. Salipada, Maguindanao on Friday (July 27, 2019). The activity formed part of the 40IB's efforts to reach out to schools and communities included in their area of responsibility. (Photo courtesy of 40IB, Philippine Army)

MARAWI CITY: The Philippine Army have donated school supplies and services to some 250 grade-schoolers of the Midpandacan Elementary School (MES) in General K. Salipada Pendatun, Maguindanao in the BARMM.

The Army's 40th Infantry battalion (40IB) on Friday distributed bags, notebooks, pencils, pad papers, toys, and slippers to the students of MES in Barangay Midpandacan in time for the culmination of the National Nutrition Month celebration.

“The outreach program forms part of our commitment to impart community service and other efforts to win the people’s trust and support," Lt. Col. Rogelio Gabi, commander of the 40IB, said in a statement on Saturday.

The children also received supplemental feeding, while the boys got free haircuts. School teachers and students were treated to Jollibee meal packs courtesy of Mayor Rafsanjani Ali. A Jollibee mascot provided entertainment to the children.

"Forgiveness is the foundation of peace," Ali said as he urged everyone to forgive anyone who has done them wrong. Gabi, for his part, urged the children to study diligently so they can help in improving their communities in the future.

The activity themed “Balik-Eskwelang Handog ng Magiting Troopers" was a joint project of the 40IB together with the Magiting Ladies Club, Junior Chamber International, University of the Philippines Hamili Brotherhood and Sisterhood, and the Gen. Salipada K. Pendatun town government. (With PNA)