Soldiers play nannies to abandoned children

MANILA, Philippines - Soldiers – armed with feeding bottles, milk, diapers, and soap – became nannies to abandoned children under the care of a private foundation in Marikina City, officials said yeserday.

Led by Brig. Gen. Francis Cruz Jr., commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS), a team of soldiers spent their time taking care and playing with the abandoned kids at the CRIBS Foundation.

Create Responsive Infants by Sharing (CRIBS) is a non-profit and non-government organization that takes care of abandoned or rejected infants and abused and traumatized children.

“We visited CRIBS thinking that maybe our little means could make a difference to the lives of these children but after our activity, we realize that it was the children who moved us and touched our lives. In addition to the vows we made as soldiers and to our families, these children are our inspiration,” Cruz said.

The soldiers gave milk and diaper packs for babies and toddlers, and toothpaste, toothbrush, towel, shampoo and soap for children in their early teens.

Funded from private sources, CRIBS is one of the leading child-caring agencies licensed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Maj. Julio Osias IV, AFP-CRS Group commander, said while soldiers are trained to fight the government’s enemies, said nearly all soldiers “are not only good warriors, they are also good at taking care of children, doing the laundry, going to market, cooking and housekeeping.”

He said soldiers acquired these skills while they are in training and on actual combat missions.

“When the soldiers are on field and are far from their families, they do everything. Nearly all the soldiers are experts at doing the laundry,” Osias said.