10th ID to build schools in NPA-influenced areas

DAVAO CITY — The newly formed 10th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army is embarking on a different strategy in fighting the communist insurgency in Southern Mindanao, considered a stronghold of the New People’s Army in this part of the country.

"We hope to reach out to the people through education by helping provide children with school buildings. We are building 30 school buildings starting this month in Compostela Valley and Davao del Norte," said Army Col. Benito de Leon, chief of staff of the 10th ID.

NPA guerrillas are known to enjoy strong mass support in the two provinces, thus prompting the Army to establish the 10th ID nearly two months ago to address the insurgency problem in Southern Mindanao.

De Leon said the 54th Engineering Brigade will build the school buildings costing a total of P8.8 million.

Army officials led by Brig. Gen. Carlos Holganza, 1001st Infantry Brigade commander, met with Compostela Valley Gov. Jose Caballero last Tuesday to discuss the school building project.

The schoolhouse project in Southern Mindanao forms part of the Barangay Kalayaan program, which involves other projects such as water system, electrification and livelihood assistance in NPA-influenced areas.