SAN JOSE, Occidental Mindoro (PIA) – The Philippine Army’s’ 68th Infantry Battalion of the 2nd Infantry Division, with the assistance of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Occidental Mindoro and the Seventh Day Adventist, conducted the first Lakbay Aral,
Joined by 50 participants from the Municipality of San Jose, the participants comprised mostly of Mangyan Indigenous Peoples (IPs) from Brgy. Monteclaro who visited several sites, including AFP Museum, Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, Philippine Publishing House, and National Museum in Manila, during the five-day event.
Cpt. Ersel L. Filipinas of 68th IB explained that the activity aims to serve as an educational experience and immerse the participants in the rich history and culture of the Philippines. It also targets to reach far-flung communities that are susceptible to communist groups’ recruitments.
“One of the Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA) [ang Sitio Mantay] ng Brgy. Monteclaro [kung saan nakatira ang mga participants], at ginagawa natin silang model community. Sinisikap ng MTF/PTF-ELCAC na maihatid ang mga government services sa area nila (Sitio Mantay of Brgy. Monteclaro, where the participants reside, is one of the GIDAs and we are making them a model community. The MTF/PTF-ELCAC is doing its best to deliver government services in their area),” Filipinas explained.
Another Lakbay Aral activity for IP sitio leaders in Calintaan is scheduled on May 10-12, 2023. (DSG/PIA Occidental Mindoro)
Mangyan Indigenous Peoples (IPs) from Brgy. Monteclaro visited several sites, including AFP Museum, Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, Philippine Publishing House, and National Museum in Manila during Lakbay Aral. (Photo courtesy of 68th IB)
