Army joins ‘serbisyo caravan’ in SurSur town

By Capt. Edwin Leo Francisco

Amid the threat of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the 75th Infantry “Marauder” Battalion (75IB) , Philippine Army participated and secured the area during the conduct of the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) dubbed as “Serbisyo and Peace Caravan 2020” initiated by the local government unit (LGU) of San Miguel held in Bolhoon Elementary School, Barangay Bolhoon, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur on September 3, 2020.

RCSP is a convergence mechanism value-chain interventions to uplift their for LGUs particularly in the barangays current condition. for the identification of issues and needed government intervention. It is The delivery of various government anchored on empowerment framework services and programs through to the aimed to develop the capacity of the people of Brgy. Bolhoon highlighted community to organize themselves and the event which benefited some 1,500 own development by bringing about individuals.

Among the free services offered were medical consultation/check-up; free acquisition of Police Clearance; registration of Birth Certificate; deworming and rabies vaccination; acquisition of Certificate of Land Ownership (CLOA); consultation regarding Alternative Learning System (ALS); feeding program; civil registration for the “Kasalan ng Bayan” set on September 28, 2020; distribution of falcata seeds, fingerlings, relief goods; and free haircut.

The distribution of vitamins was conducted exclusively for the lactating and pregnant women. Counseling as well as circumcision for the male children were also offered.

San Miguel Mayor Hazel Elizalde expressed her gratitude to the 75IB and the government line agencies for the continuous support and cooperation that contributed a lot for the success of the activity.

“As a public servant, it is my role and responsibility to help and serve you. Through Executive Order No. 70, the government and line agencies will unite to deliver basic services and programs to the people and community,” said Mayor Elizalde.

75IB commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Villarosa ably represented by executive officer Major Marlon Bagara, emphasized that the “Marauder” troopers have observed and respected the cultural sensitivity of the Manobos, the indigent people of Brgy. Bolhoon. 20

“The government and the Philippine Army, together with the partner stakeholders, united through this endeavor to serve well the communities particularly in the far-flung areas,” Maj. Bagara said.

Department of Education (DepEd) Surigao del Sur Division representative Danilo Alcantara confirmed that Tribal Filipino Program in Surigao del Sur (TRIFPSS) is not accredited by DepEd. He encouraged the parents to enroll their children in DepEd schools for them to obtain legal documents for their children’s education.

Several Schools of Living Traditions (SLT), an indigenous peoples (IP) school run by DepEd have already operationalized in the selected IP communities in San Miguel that cause the closure of most TRIFPSS schools in the town.

For the duration of the activity, health protocols were strictly observed such as wearing of face mask, hand sanitizing, and social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19. (75IBCMO/PIA-Surigao del Sur)