By Julmunir I. Jannaral

OUTREACH PROGRAM: The Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) extends aid to some 200 families from Barangay Sinubong, Zamboanga City in an outreach program conducted for the far-flung families of the city. (Contributed Photo)

CAMP NAVARRO, Calarian, Zamboanga City -- The Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) extended aid to some 200 families from Barangay Sinubong, Zamboanga City.

Colonel Alaric Avelino delos Santos, spokesman of WestMinCom on Thursday said these far-flung families benefited from the outreach program conducted by the military troops and other civilian volunteers on August 10.

The Western Mindanao Command's Office of the Assistant Chief of Unified Command Staff for Civil-Military Operations, in coordination with the 4th Civil Relations Group, Joint Task Force Zamboanga, and the barangay officials of Sinubong facilitated the conduct of the outreach program held at Mt. View Sinubong Elementary School.

In her remarks, Ms. Raponzel Manalo, School Head of Mt. View Sinubong Elementary School said, "Your presence is a manifestation of your support to the less fortunate. We are very happy about that. My heart is filled with gratitude, with happiness because you chose Mt. View to help the community. Thank you for making our learners and their parents who are the ultimate beneficiaries of this activity happy".

Dubbed as "Tulong Bayanihan Para sa Katauhan", the activity aimed to uplift the morale and ensure the well-being of the populace amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the activity, the team distributed a total of 200 hygiene kits and food packs and offered medical services to the residents of Sinubong. Additionally, 59 locals availed themselves of the eye examination and received free eyeglasses while 50 others were given a new haircut.

In a short message, Chairman Enricleto Casepe of Barangay Sinubong expressed his gratitude to all facilitators for choosing his constituents as the beneficiaries of the outreach program.

Meanwhile, WestMinCom Chief Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr. through Joint Task Force Zamboanga Commander, Col. Randolph Rojas said more than fighting against the terrorists, the military is here to serve and help the people.

"We are here to lend our helping hand to the needy. This is also our little way of expressing our gratitude to all the peace-loving people who genuinely support us in our campaign against terrorism and lawlessness," Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. said in the message read by Col. Rojas.

"Rest assured that the armed forces will remain steadfast in sustaining the peace in your community," the commander addressed the residents of Sinubong.

The successful conduct of the outreach program was made possible through the support provided by the Junior Chamber International (JCI), Zamboanga City El Animo Eagles Club, Zamboanga City Peacemakers Eagles Club, Zamboanga City Medical Center, Department of Health-Region 9, Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council IX, City Health Office, Languyan Mining Corporation, Department of Social Welfare and Development IX, Office of Civil Defense 9, Zamboanga City Interagency Task Force, Crystal Vision Optical, SOPHIL, YL Fishing, and other participating agencies.

The WestMimCom continuously conducts outreach programs as part of its civil-military operations to be able to reach out to ordinary citizens and win their trust. JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

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