Troops from the 7th Infantry Division delivered food packs to more than 250 residents of Barangay Dibut and provided financial assistance to the Samahan ng Magsasaka at Mangingisda sa Dibut, strengthening community support and livelihood in this remote coastal village as part of the “Handog Malasakit ng Pamilyang Kaugnay” outreach program. (Jason de Asis)
SAN LUIS, Aurora — The 7th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army distributed food packs to at least 250 residents of Barangay Dibut as part of its outreach initiative aimed at supporting geographically isolated communities and strengthening peace efforts in the province.
The assistance was provided through the division’s flagship outreach program, “Handog Malasakit ng Pamilyang Kaugnay,” which seeks to extend humanitarian support to remote villages while promoting stronger ties between the military and local communities.
A key highlight of the activity was the provision of financial assistance to the Samahan ng Magsasaka at Mangingisda sa Dibut (SMMD). The support, received by the group’s president, is intended to help strengthen the organization’s livelihood initiatives and enhance the economic resilience of its members.
The outreach mission was led by Joseph Norwin D. Pasamonte, commander of the 7th Infantry Division, with troops from the 91st Infantry Battalion and the 703rd Infantry Brigade under Eugenio Julio C. Osias IV. The initiative was conducted in coordination with the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Coast Guard, along with local government partners.
Residents of Barangay Dibut, a coastal village that often has limited access to government services due to its remote location, expressed gratitude for the assistance provided by the military.
Pasamonte emphasized that sustaining peace in communities requires more than security operations, highlighting the importance of humanitarian outreach and community engagement.
“Peace is not only secured through strength — it is nurtured through compassion and service. By reaching remote barangays like Dibut, we are not just delivering assistance; we are strengthening trust, creating opportunities, and reinforcing a shared sense of nationhood,” Pasamonte said.
The 7ID commander added that the division will continue working closely with local government units and partner agencies to sustain development initiatives in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs).
Through programs like “Handog Malasakit ng Pamilyang Kaugnay,” the 7th Infantry Division aims to remain a strong partner in national development by ensuring that even the most remote communities receive support and opportunities for growth. (Jason de Asis)