CEBU, Philippines - A simple act can go a long way, especially in the eyes of children.
On April 4, the Don E. Villegas Elementary School in Vallehermoso, a fourth class municipality in Negros Oriental, Philippines, was holding its graduation rites for 50 elementary students out in the open air and, as the ceremony progressed, under the blazing heat of the summer sun, too.
Soldiers from 11th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, who are stationed in Guihulngan town 20 kilometers away from Vallehermoso and were attending the graduation in said school, immediately installed a collapsible tent to shield the students from the sweltering heat.
Vallehermoso District School Supervisor Brenda Pasquil in her speech during the graduation thanked the soldiers for being the children’s “instant heroes” during the activity as she expressed her support for peace and development efforts in the area.
Meanwhile, 11IB Civil Military Operations Officer 1Lt Angelito Luna in a statement said that the Army is likewise thankful to the school teachers and the parents in the community for having been their active partners in peace-oriented activities.
He also warned the parents to keep a close watch over their children once they step into high school “because they are prone to the recruitment of the CPP/NPA/NDF.”
Soldiers of the same unit were also on hand to witness the graduation ceremony of Linantuyan Elementary School in Guihulngan on the same day, during which 11th IB Battalion Executive Officer Maj. Jesus Pagala stressed the important role played by barangay officials and teachers in peace, security and development of the village.
11IB troops have been constantly visiting schools in the area to conduct information drives to insulate the students from insurgency.
Rachelle M. Nessia
PIA7 Negros Oriental