MARAWI CITY--Hundreds of residents in a remote village in Lanao del Sur province benefited from a government's convergence outreach program held recently in the municipality of Piagapo.
The outreach program in Brgy. Kalungunan is a collaborative effort wherein the local government of Piagapo through its Rural Health Unit, the Army’s 51st Infantry Battalion (IB), and the Philippine National Police extended various services to provide for the basic needs of the village residents.
During the event, 200 food packs and hygiene kits were distributed at the covered court of the barangay. 145 residents including senior citizens, lactating mothers, and newborn kids were also aided with free medical consultation and medicines.
On the other hand, 68 kids received toys and bags with school supplies and enjoyed a feeding program while 25 individuals availed of the free haircut and 35 of the Operation Tuli (circumcision).
Piagapo vice mayor Ali Sumandar said the outreach program demonstrates the continued efforts of the government in partnership with different stakeholders in reaching out to geographically isolated and disadvantaged communities.
"These services that we brought here are part of the LGU's mandate to provide for its constituents. These are services that are not easily accessible here," he said in Meranaw dialect.
Routine immunization for children and vaccination against Covid-19 were also part of the services offered.
The vice mayor also introduced to the village folks the Alternative Learning System (ALS) which is currently implemented by the 51st IB in Barangay Gacap, also in Piagapo, stressing the importance of literacy in sustaining peace in the municipality.
He said they plan to replicate the ALS program in Kalungunan village.
The community outreach program was likewise highlighted by a peace dialogue between the residents, LGU, and security forces to prevent violent extremism and monitor infrastructure projects in the community. (APB/PIA Lanao del Sur)
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