THE PARTNERSHIP between the Philippine Army’s 16th Infantry (Maglilingkod) Battalion and the Department of Education led to the handover of 1,654 school bags to grade school pupils in Malitbog and Impasugong, Bukidnon last July 18-20.

The program, dubbed “Unang Hakbang sa Kinabukasan,” aims to provide educational supplies and hygiene kits for the kindergarten and grade 1 pupils.

It was made possible through the GMA Kapuso Foundation.

Malitbog Mayor Gary Casiño thanked GMA Foundation for selecting their municipality as one of the recipients of the project.

“Akong kinasingkasing na pagpasalamat sa GMA Kapuso Foundation sa ilang dakong tabang ug suporta sa among lungsod, hinaot na makahatag pa ta ug daghan pang mga programa sa Malitbog,” Casiño said.

The 16IB attributed the successful delivery of services to the “whole-of-nation” approach under which the local government units, other government agencies and private stakeholders collaborated to venture into comprehensive and sustainable programs.