23IB Joins Ongoing Community Outreach Programs in Agusan Sur

BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte – The 23rd Infantry “Masigasig” Battalion (23IB) joined hands with the local government unit (LGU) of Bayugan City in Agusan del Sur in the conduct of the ongoing series of outreach programs in barangays that started on May 2 and will last until June 8 this year.

The program aims to alleviate the health situation and provide quality healthcare programs and services to the remote communities in Bayugan City. The said outreach programs directly provide dental services, medical check-ups, feeding activities, free haircuts, and circumcision.

It also serves as a venue to raise the awareness of residents by informing them of the different terroristic activities of the New People’s Army (NPA) that continue to hinder the development initiatives of the government in communities.

A total of forty (43) barangays will benefit from the said program. The other agencies of the government, including the Philippine National Police (PNP) also provided support to the outreach activities which is part of the “Bayugan on Wheels Version 4” of LGU Bayugan City under the leadership of Mayor Kirk Asis.

Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo, the Commanding Officer of 23IB said that the unit is working with LGU Bayugan City and other agencies to facilitate development by reintroducing government services to far-flung communities that have been affected by local communist conflicts.

“The series of outreach programs also cut the gap between LGU, the government agencies, and the remote communities in Bayugan City,” Paulo said.

The activities also highlight the true spirit of convergence and collaboration of government instrumentalities to bring to the grassroots human rights-based programs and approaches for development.

“These programs show that the best way to counterinsurgency is to efficiently address the people’s needs. The hardships and poverty of the people in far-flung communities are caused by the terroristic activities of the NPA. These terrorists want poverty to continue to instigate the residents to fight the government. This menace must end through the unified approaches being done by the different agencies of the government and the LGU,” Paulo said.

He also emphasized that the Masigasig troopers will continue to support and provide assistance to the initiatives of the LGU of Bayugan City and other agencies, especially in reaching out to the people and provide them with much-needed assistance.

“I am assuring you of the continued support of 23IB, especially in all the endeavors and efforts that will bring genuine peace and development in communities,” Paulo said.

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