Photos By: 69IB Cougar Battalion
PALAUIG, Zambales — The 69th Infantry (Cougar) Battalion of the Philippine Army, in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Sta. Cruz and other municipal offices, conducted a community outreach program for residents and students of Sitio Acoje and Sitio Mapalad in Barangay Lucapon South on July 3.
The activity, led by the Alpha Company of the 69IB under 1LT Alex B. Paz, was carried out in coordination with the Municipal Agriculture Office and the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO). Civil-Military Operations Course and Training (CMOCET) students also participated in delivering various services to the community.
Photos By: 69IB Cougar Battalion
The outreach featured the distribution of food packs, free haircut services for students, teachers, and school personnel of Acoje Elementary School and Mapalad Elementary School, as well as an Information and Education Campaign (IEC) on the West Philippine Sea to enhance public awareness of national security and sovereignty issues.
69IB Commanding Officer LTC Mark Anthony B. Ruelos said the activity reflects the Army’s commitment to serving communities beyond its security mandate.
“The Philippine Army remains steadfast in working with our local government partners to bring meaningful services closer to our people. Through activities like this, we strengthen not only public awareness on important national concerns but also our shared commitment to peace, unity, and community development,” Ruelos said.
The joint initiative underscores the continuing collaboration between the military and local government in promoting inclusive development, strengthening community resilience, and improving the welfare of residents in geographically isolated areas of Zambales.