Carrying school armchairs on their shoulders, soldiers of the 60th Infantry (Mediator) Battalion trekked more than 25 kilometers through rugged mountains, dense forests, river crossings and muddy trails to deliver classroom furniture and essential assistance to Indigenous students in remote communities in Talaingod, Davao del Norte.
The mission was part of the battalion’s “Serbisyong may Puso at Malasakit” Peace and Development Initiative, conducted from July 11 to 15 in the geographically isolated sitios of Nasilaban, Bagang, Nalubas, Nabalabag, Saso and Laboo in Barangay Palma Gil.
According to the battalion, preparations for the outreach took nearly a month and involved coordination with local government units, national government agencies, Indigenous leaders and development partners.
Because the communities are inaccessible by road, more than 15 motorcycles transported supplies to Sitio Bagang, which served as the temporary logistics hub. From there, soldiers continued the journey on foot, carrying school armchairs, food packs, school supplies, office materials, agricultural supplies and other essential items across difficult terrain to reach the remote communities.
In addition to delivering school chairs to help improve learning conditions for Indigenous students, the battalion distributed school bags, office materials, hybrid corn seeds, bamboo seedlings, abaca seedlings and food assistance.
Soldiers also joined members of the Indigenous communities in Bayanihan planting activities to support sustainable agriculture and livelihood opportunities.
The outreach included the construction of a kitchen for teachers, repairs to the school’s comfort room, improvements to the Pan-pan Trail connecting neighboring sitios, Pulong-Pulong dialogues, peace and development awareness campaigns, cultural activities, community fellowship programs and the provision of free meals during the mission.
The initiative benefited approximately 150 households and more than 500 Indigenous Peoples, according to the battalion.
The 60th Infantry Battalion said the outreach reflects its continuing commitment to improving access to education, delivering essential government services, promoting sustainable livelihoods and supporting lasting peace in geographically isolated Indigenous communities.
