Instead of marking its 20th founding anniversary with a celebration confined to its ranks, the 79th Infantry “Masaligan” Battalion brought the occasion to the community, reaching more than 1,000 residents of Barangay Hilub-ang in Calatrava town with free services and an environmental initiative on Sunday, August 9.
The anniversary outreach combined immediate assistance with efforts meant to create a lasting impact, bringing together government agencies, private organizations, civic groups and community stakeholders.
Residents accessed free medical consultations from the Department of Health–Negros Island Region (DOH-NIR) and volunteer doctors from the Felix G. Yusay Foundation Inc., while children received vitamins and hot meals through Spag-ASA.
Food packs and hygiene kits were also distributed by the local government unit (LGU) of Calatrava and the Association of Negros Producers Inc. (ANP).
For families and children, the outreach also included free ear-piercing services and parlor games, adding a lighter component to an activity primarily focused on community welfare.
But the organizers did not stop at addressing the community’s immediate needs.
They also planted trees.
The tree-planting activity became one of the highlights of the outreach, reflecting the organizers’ push to link community service with environmental responsibility.
Organizers emphasized that the work does not end once a seedling is planted. The greater challenge, they said, is ensuring that the trees are protected and nurtured until they grow and contribute to a healthy forest.
An orientation on disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) was likewise conducted, equipping residents with information intended to strengthen preparedness and resilience.
The activity was led by the 79th IB under Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Eric Alfonso, in partnership with the Calatrava LGU, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), DOH-NIR, Felix G. Yusay Foundation Inc., Spag-ASA, ANP and other stakeholders.
Alfonso thanked the participating agencies, organizations and volunteers for joining the battalion in bringing the anniversary celebration closer to the community.*
