The 903rd Infantry Brigade joined the “Freedom Build” conducted by Gawad Kalinga of Sorsogon on June 10-12, 2011 in Harong Pagkamoot GK Village in Brgy Poblacion, Castilla, Sorsogon. It was a massive mobilization event wherein volunteers from all sectors of society participated in the construction/ building of houses for the poorest of the poor. The activity was jibed with the Independence Day celebration.
The Community Building Program seeks to empower poor communities to become self-reliant and sustainable by building up its people, preparing their leaders and residents to eventually care for their own communities and be capable of helping others as well. It fits well with the People-Centered Approach being espoused under the AFP’s IPSP Bayanihan.
And so the Brigade volunteered to help in the 3 day activity. It even purchased several sets of tools that would be needed by the soldiers. Troops of the 3rd Special Forces Company based in Brgy Bayasong, Castilla sent two teams to augment troops from the Brigade headquarters.
Groups from as far as Masbate , Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, and Albay joined the event. Working together with the soldiers, it was a classic practice of the “bayanihan” spirit.
During the opening ceremony, Col Felix Castro Jr, the 903rd Brigade Commander, explained why the soldiers volunteered to help in the building program. He said that while this is part of the new role of the soldiers, it was more because of the ‘joy of helping” that the soldiers worked tirelessly to complete a house. The appreciation of the recipients also added to the contentment of a work well-done.
“We promise to participate in all projects of Gawad Kalinga in Sorsogon and Masbate .”, Col Castro said as the commitment of the Brigade. The unit was given a Certificate of Appreciation by the organizers for their effort and hard work.
The bayanihan spirit lives on with the projects of Gawad Kalinga and 903rd Brigade.
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