In an attempt to show children from mountain barangays of how life is in a city, the Philippine Army’s 302nd Infantry Brigade and 79th Infantry Battalion, in coordination with the Oriental Negros Children’s Advocacy Network (ONCAN), Department of Education, and Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office, toured 40 school children from Candanqui Elementary School and 20 pupils of CAFGU dependents to Dumaguete City last week.
1LT Roel Morales, the Army’s information officer, said the program was conducted through the Army’s Bayanihan para sa Kabataan Lakbay-Aral.
The Lakbay-Aral aims to widen the horizon of school children from the hinterland and create a positive outlook in life by exposing to other people, places and events outside the communities.
1LT Morales said the activity also promotes education to the community as a key to a brighter future and strengthen the AFP’s partnership with the various stakeholders in the province.
The grades 5 and 6 pupils, accompanied by their teachers and school principal Anecito Gazo, onboard the military service vehicles first visited the Dumaguete City Airport.
The group proceeded to Cathedral Church and Bell Tower in Dumaguete City, Sidlakang Negros Village, and to the Provincial Capitol.
The school children also observed the demonstration of the eco-kalan at the Felipa Beach Resort where they took their lunch.
Morales said the pupils and the chaperones also had a tour of Robinsons Place where they had the chance to experience the beauty of city life, and were each given tokens for games at the Robinsons World of Fun.
The children were caught by surprise when the 302 Brigade deputy commander, Col. Christopher Estella, and ONCAN president Marietta Jambora,gave gifts and distributed snacks at Jollibee.
Meanwhile, Col. Estella said that the Philippine Army will continue initiating programs that will benefit the youth and the entire community.
The pupils, the teachers and some parents expressed their appreciation to the army and other partner agencies for initiating the activity. (PIA/JCT)
