Army holds caravan in La Castellana, Neg Occ.

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines— The 11th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army based in Guihulngan, Negros Oriental, together with the 302nd Infantry Brigade and 303rd Infantry Brigade in collaboration with the provincial government of Negros Occidental headed by Governor Alfredo Marañon, has initiated a Caravan for Peace and Development at Barangay Puso in La Castellana, Negros Occidental.

The activity was a one-stop-shop medical mission, which includes medical consultations, giving of medicines, dental service, haircut, massage, circumcision, fruit-bearing seedlings, and vegetables seedling this past weekend, a media release on Thursday said.

The caravan was also attended by the different representatives of provincial departments and offices whose goal was to provide information and livelihood programs to the populace of the said barangay.

A total of 1, 273 beneficiaries from Barangay Puso had availed of the free services to include medical consultation (52), tooth extraction, (10), distribution of coffee seedlings (800), free haircut (47), circumcision (31), massage (33), and assorted non foods stuff (300). The beneficiaries also received one bag of rice and goods as well.

Brig. Gen. Francisco Patrimonio, 302nd brigade commander based in Tanjay City, said the Armed Forces of the Philippines will continue to support and facilitate peace initiatives of the government in attaining peace, security and development in the community.

"I persuade everyone to cooperate with the government so that peace and order will rule in the area," he was quoted as saying in the media release.

Lt. Col. Wilfredo Isaac, commanding officer of the 11th IB in Guihulngan,  said the Army actively supports, advocates and participates in peace-building in the country. He also stressed that "we should actively advocate peace and work together to put forward the agenda of peace among the people."  —/JMD (FREEMAN)