Events: Philippine Army Recognizes Kayang-Kayang’s Support

Considering its enduring support to the peace and development efforts of the Philippine Army, Kayang-Kayang Mission International, Inc. was one of its awardees during the Philippine Army Day celebration over the weekend. No less than the commanding officer of 303rd Infantry Brigade, Col. Oscar Lactao, presented the award to Isabel Grace Ponsalan, president, during the awards rites.

Kayang-Kayang refers to a hut, because they started their mission in small huts by teaching the street children how to read and write, the boys tending the carabaos in the meadows, and even the indigenous people in the hinterlands.

They have been helping the army since 2008 starting from the army’s 47th IB in Calinog, Iloilo, as a tie up outreach project of their church. With volunteer doctors, nurses, and other professionals, they also extended medical-dental services, distribute goodies to the folks. Since then, these and other services like sponsoring the scholarship of children of indigent families, conduct learning classes for the pre-school tots, train the housewives, and others. Kayang-Kayang does not burden the army with medicines and other tools when they go to the areas. Medicines, vitamins and other medical tools are provided by the volunteers of Kayang-Kayang. They do not bother the concerned government agencies anymore, instead, they bring by themselves whatever is needed.

Kayang-Kayang went to Negros Occidental almost two years ago, when the 47th IB was transferred to southern Negros Occidental. As usual, they are not particular with the peace and order situation in the area. Their motive is to extend support to the families not reached by the government.

Presently, Kayang-kayang sponsored the scholars of 47th IB under Lt Col. Rodrigo Sosmeña in their area of responsibility, 1 elementary and 1 high school; 2 scholars in Tapaz, Capiz through the 61st IB, and TESDA scholars with the CMO Battalion UNDER Maj. Antonio Tumnog.

Grace said, there are lots of things to do for the people who are in need of government services. The army can not cope with it because of limited resources.

Kayang-kayang was also a recipient of award from the general headquarters of Philippine army two years ago because of its incomparable support to the organization’s peace and development efforts.* (By Edith B. Colmo)