FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – The Philippine Army (PA) gave cash donations to Taal eruption affected soldiers at Army Grandstand on Tuesday, February 04.
Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Gilbert I. Gapay led the Ceremonial Awarding of Donations to the present beneficiaries as part of CGPA’s 55th Birthday Celebration.
A total of 95 affected Army personnel, who reside within the 7km and 14km danger zone, received P10,000 and P5,000 respectively. Other donations will be sent in their respective accounts by the command.
Gapay highlighted that the initiative served to carry out of one of PA’s major thrusts, to uplift the morale of the troops. “In our commitment to serve our country, especially in times of calamities, we end up neglecting our own safety. The Philippine Army, aside from immediately responding to our countrymen in need, do not forget to extend assistance to our soldiers,” said Gapay.
One of the beneficiaries, Staff Sgt. Mariette L. Carolino from Agoncillo, Batangas said, “Talagang masasabi mo ang Philippine Army parin ‘yung family mo, [Lalo na kapag] walang ibang tutulong sa’yo. Swerte ko kasi isa akong sundalo, ako at ang mga kasamahan ko na mga sundalo na naapektuhan ng Taal eruption.” (You can truly say that the Philippine Army is your family [especially when] there’s no one out there to help you. I’m lucky because I am a soldier, me and my comrades who were affected by the Taal eruption)
“This [effort] is just an example to show that the Philippine Army really cares for our personnel, our families, and dependents. I am confident that through the fulfillment of our four major thrusts, the team Army is on track towards its overall greater mission accomplishment,” added Gapay.#