Serbisyo Caravan continues in AgNor amidst COVID-19 pandemic

By Capt. Miguel O. Borromeo, Jr. The troops of the 29th Infantry (Matatag Fighters) Battalion (29th IB), Philippine Army in collaboration with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Jabonga headed by Mayor Napoleon M. Montero, together with the Municipal Local Government Operations Officer (MLGOO), and various partner agencies held a one-day ‘Serbisyo Caravan’ in Brgy. Bangonay, Jabonga, Agusan del Norte on September 18, 2020. The one-day ‘Serbisyo Caravan’ is a convergence of stakeholders supporting DILG’s Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) Immersion. This is in line with Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s Executive Order (EO) 70 which institutionalizes the Whole-of-the-Nation approach to End Local Communist Armed

Conflict (ELCAC) by delivering basic services to Conflict-Affected Areas (ConAAs) and Geographically Isolated Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs). A total of 899 beneficiaries received basic services and goods from the different line government agencies. These included prenatal consultation, medical check-up, tooth extraction and free tuli (circumcision) done by the Municipal Health Office and 29IB; free haircut rendered by the Jabonga Municipal Police Station and 29IB; various seeds of fruit trees distributed by the Municipal Agriculture Office; food packs and hygiene kits provided by the Municipal Social Welfare Development Office (MSWDO) who also provided psycho-social support counselling; and legal assistance from the Public Attorney’s Office. In his statement, Lt. Col. Isagani O. Criste, Commanding Officer of 29IB, said that this time of the year is crucial to the Filipinos since Christmas is approaching. “During this time, we are accustomed to helping our fellow countrymen, but because of this pandemic, some

of us became hesitant and complacent in doing what we used to. This pandemic outbreak is a challenge for us to extend our hospitality to those who are in need through the ‘bayanihan’ spirit,” he said. “As fellow frontliners, we are committed to giving our best in serving and performing our duties. We urge each one of you to also help and reach out to those who are in need because one single act of kindness can change a life,” Lt. Col. Criste added. (CMO Officer, 29IB, 4ID, PA/PIA Agusan del Norte)