FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija — The Commander of the 7th Infantry (KAUGNAY) Division, Philippine Army, MGen Andrew D Costelo PA, lauded the initiative of the troops of the 91st Infantry (SINAGTALA) Battalion, led by LTC Reandrew P Rubio following its coconut seedling planting activity to an Indigenous People’s community in Barangay Bayanihan, Maria Aurora, Aurora on March 09, 2022.
The activity was in partnership with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) and National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Aurora, as part of the PTF-ELCAC’s programs through the ‘Whole-of-Nation Approach’.
MGen Costelo said that the initiative was part of the sustainment efforts of the PTF-ELCAC and the Army in the IP community following its implementation of the Community Support Program (CSP) and also aims to increase the province’s coconut production and make the industry even more sustainable for the IP community.
“This effort is also part of our commitment to help our IP farmers increase their income through a sustainable livelihood which is coconut farming. We would like to extend our gratitude to our partner stakeholders for the support of this initiative that benefits our IP community,” said MGen Costelo.
Meanwhile, LTC Rubio assured that they will be doing their best effort to help the IP community in the province of Aurora which aims to prioritize and harmonize the delivery of basic services and social development packages of the government.
On the other hand, NCIP Aurora Representative Dhelsie Joy Pineda said expressed her gratitude to 91st IB for its relentless support to Bugkalot tribes.
“We appreciate the efforts of the 91IB for peace and development. This is one way of bringing their message of peace to us. Let us support our government. Samantalahin natin yung mga pwede pa nilang maitulong sa atin ng gobyerno at suportahan natin sila,” Pineda said.
The said activity was also participated by 307th Community Defense Center, 3rd Regional Community Defense Group, Army Reserve Command-Aurora Ready Reserve Infantry Battalion; Indigenous Person Mandatory Representative (IPMR) Maria Aurora; Youth For Peace members; The Fraternal Order of EAGLES (Philippine Eagles), and Barangay Officials of Barangay Bayanihan.
