Western Mindanao Command is major participant in Bayani Challenge 2013

By Rene V. Carbayas

ISABELA CITY, Basilan – The Western Mindanao Command (WESMINCOM) was a major participant in this year’s Gawad Kalinga Bayani Challenge 2013 which was held on March 23-27, 2013.

The AFP units on the ground have directly participated in the planning and execution in five sites within the command’s jurisdictional area,namely, Miatan, Katipunan, Zamboanga del Norte; Tigbanuang, Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay; Tulungatung, Zamboanga City; Poblacion, Sapad, Lanao del Norte; and Pamucalin, Lantawan, Basilan.

The Bayani Challenge is an annual national event organized by the Gawad Kalinga aimed at showcasing the Filipinos’ Bayanihan spirit and love for Country through volunteerism and cooperation. This project commenced in 2006 in Ginsaugon, St. Bernard, Southern Leyte in response to a huge landslide there at that time and this continued on to symbolize that the Filipino People need is united to help others, an innate Filipino trait that shares a helping hand.

In a press release, Col. Rodrigo T Gregorio, WESMINCOM Public Information Officer said the event was considered high priority, as no less than the WESMINCOM commander, Lt.Gen. Rey C Ardo, who personally and closely supervised and monitored the activity to ensure its success and sustainability.

The major activities included the building and repair of houses, refurbishing of classrooms, tree-planting and coastal cleanup, health missions, and fun activities for children.

Gregorio said the event had showcased the participation of several stakeholders such as the LGUs of the concerned areas, line government agencies, non-government organizations and civil society organizations, benefactors of the project and youth volunteers.

The military’s 104^th “Sultan” Brigade in Basilan together with the army’s Special Forces spearheaded the continued work during weekends to complete the 30 houses for the poor beneficiaries in the area.

A number of volunteers from various sectors and organizations in Basilan visited the Pamucalin GK village in Lantawan and helped in the construction. (PIA9)