BORONGAN CITY– The troops of 802nd Infantry (Peerless) Brigade, 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, Philippine Army and 78th Infantry (Warrior) Battalion conducted Christmas caroling and Santa patrols to serenade the less fortunate families, senior citizens, and children in Barangay San Mateo, this city, on Monday(December 18).
The activity served as a way of sharing some blessings to the indigents in the form of Noche Buena packages that were raised out of soldiers’ contribution of one-day meal allowance each that when collected, was able to raise a considerable amount to procure grocery items that composed the Noche Buena packages.
Some stakeholders and friends of the 802Bde and 78IB have also contributed additional cash for the Noche Buena packages.
The Peerless and Warrior Troopers conducted “Christmas Caroling and Santa Patrol” in the former CPP-NPA-NDF mass base area that was already cleared to secure the people and prevent the recovery efforts of the NPA remnants.
They wear Santa cap, sing Christmas carols to selected beneficiaries, and give Christmas gifts, food packs, and candies to children.
This endeavor is aimed to make the people feel secured and at the same time enjoy the spirit of Christmas despite the hardships they experience in their everyday lives.
BGen Noel A Vestuir (MNSA) PA, 802nd brigade commander, expressed his appreciation on the graciousness of the soldiers of the 802nd Infantry (Peerless) Brigade for sacrificing one day of their meal allowance that support their subsistence while performing duties to sustain peace in conflict-affected areas in the brigade’s area of responsibility.
“We are grateful for the voluntary donation of our troops as a way of sharing the blessings that they received to our less fortunate brothers and sisters who have less to enjoy the festiveness of the Christmas Season. Through this noble gesture, we can deliver to them the true essence of Christmas that is Happiness in Giving,” he said.
“We are also thankful to those benefactors who have contributed to extend support to this endeavor and benefit more of our impoverished Kababayans and let them feel that – MARAMING NAGMAMAHAL SA KANILA,” Vestuir added.
“It is very heart-warming to see the smiles and the happiness of those who received the simple gifts and since Christmas is the season of love, seeing the light in the Children’s eyes is all what it takes to make Christmas a magical time of the year”, the commanding officer of the 802nd IB further said. (PR)
