THE EASTERN Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) collaborated with different organizations to distribute generator sets to several schools in Talaingod, Davao del Norte where access to electricity remains a challenge.
Teachers from five IP community schools–Central Baguan Elementary School, Ibugay Lamburan Elementary School, KM13 Primary School, Malapanit Elementary School, and Nasilaban Integrated School–received the equipment during a turnover ceremony held at the EastMinCom headquarters on Aug. 11.
The solar-powered generators were donated by the Philip Morris and Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC) and Jaime V. Ongpin Foundation, Inc. The ceremony was witnessed by Brig. Gen. Leopoldo A. Imbang Jr., deputy commander of EastMinCom; Mayor Johnnie A. Libayao of Talaingod; Lt. Col. Norman E. Valdez, commanding officer of the 56th Infantry Battalion; and Talaingod Department of Education district supervisor Justiniano D. Cubar.
Major Alex Mindalano, the newly designated spokesperson of EastMinCom, said the new gen-sets are expected to help the IP communities adapt to the new normal practices being imposed by DepEd to secure the safety of students from COVID-19.
During the ceremony, Libayao and Cubar thanks the donors and the military for their continued support for the Lumad communities, particularly during the pandemic.
Imbang, representing EastMinCom commander Lt. Gen. Jose C. Faustino Jr., also expressed his gratitude to the PMFTC and Jaime V. Ongpin Foundation for their generosity to the people of Talaingod, particularly the IP students.
“Aside from building resilience in the face of risk and the dynamic growth condition, you have pursued your corporate responsibility to a whole new level as you bring difference to the lives of our IP brothers and sisters in Talaingod,” the deputy commander said.
Imbang also noted the importance of convergence between the public and private stakeholders in the development of communities, especially those affected by the atrocities of the New People’s Army.
“It bears repeating that development could be hardly pursued without the active participation of all sectors, including the members of the target recipient communities,” he said.
