By Rhoda Grace Saron/PNA
DAVAO CITY — More than a thousand children from two tribal villages in Talaingod, Davao del Norte received gifts from troopers of the Army’s 56th Infantry Battalion during the three-day “Pamaskong Handog” activity that concluded Thursday (December 19).
Capt. John Louie Dema-ala, 56IB civil-military operations (CMO) officer, said the activity in Barangay Palma Gil and Barangay Sto. Niño on Dec. 17, 18 and 19 brought smiles to the IP children who received toys, played games, and were treated to a simple meal together with their parents.
Lt. Col. Edwin Paredes, 56IB commander, said the activity was part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Development Support and Security Plan Kapayapaan or “DSSP Kapayapaan.”
“Not all of us are given a chance to have a comfortable living,” Paredes said, adding that the gesture was the troops’ simple way of giving back in the spirit of the Yuletide season.
“We can help the community a little by giving some of our blessings, especially to the IPs children who are vulnerable and are main targets of the communist terrorist groups,” he added.
Joemar Mandalisan, a sitio leader, thanked the soldiers for bringing joy to the children.
Mandalisan said the Army’s gift-giving activity meant a lot for the IP communities and made them feel the spirit of Christmas.
