The Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry “Masaligan” Battalion recently 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 in Negros Occidental.

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 10 recipient schools in Talisay City and 28 schools in Calatrava.

The troops together with GMAKF regional coordinator Amabelle D. Rusiana and her staff distributed 1,209 backpacks with notebooks, writing pads, pencils, sharpener, eraser, crayon, and anti-COVID kits which include washable face masks, bar soaps, and alcohol.

Recipients of the project were 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 especially those who are in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas,” said 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 commitment and continued participation in these noble undertakings.”/WDJ