BUTIG, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--The 2016 warfare has left a haunting memory for residents in this town. The armed conflict caused significant disruptions in their lives, and the local schools also experienced deterioration and destruction, resulting in disruption of delivering quality instruction to learners yearning for education. 

However, a ray of hope shines for the affected community as the 103rd Infantry Brigade mobilizes the deployment of the 51st Infantry Battalion. This collaboration involves partnering with the Philippine Army Finance Center Producers Integrated Cooperative (PAFCPIC), the municipal government of Butig, and various line agencies and non-government organizations. Their shared mission centers on the restoration of Ragayan Elementary School in Brgy. Ragayan here.

This institution was accordingly mutilated as it became the lair of the Dawlah-inspired Maute group, which attempted to gain control of the municipality.

LtCol. Victor-Czar Villanueva, commanding officer of the 51st Infantry Battalion, underscored that although this terrorist group has been gone, much has still to be pushed to reinstall the socio-economic and psychological health of the community. 

He stressed that they must aid in rebuilding what was lost and bringing back the confidence of the community and the legal authorities to address the risk of losing vulnerable groups, such as children, especially since lawless elements and violence still threaten the tranquility in the area.

With the rehabilitation of the damaged Ragayan Elementary School, Villanueva was hopeful that they could contribute to ease the traumas obtained by the affected populace.

“Ragayan Elementary School is a reminder of a conflict and remains a scar for generations to come as long as it remains in ruins. With the effort of the 103rd Infantry Brigade and the generosity of the stakeholders, we can help heal communities,” he said. 

PAFCPIC Vice President for Membership Affairs and Community Services Arlene Villaflor was likewise delighted that they became instrumental in paving the way for assistance wished by the dwellers in Ragayan village here. 

She highlighted that as an establishment operating for 41 years already, one of their principles is to live out their concern for society, hence, their commitment to fulfill their advocacy not only for their members and their families but also for communities clamoring for support.

For the municipality here, Villaflor emphasized that repairing Ragayan Elementary School would significantly contribute to the learners' future. 

“Kami ay naniniwala na ang edukasyon ay mahalagang pundasyon para sa kinabukasan kaya malaki ang ating responsibilidad na panatilihin natin o mabigyan ang ating mga kabataan ng mapayapang kapaligiran para sa kanilang pag-aaral,” she said. 

(We believe that education is a crucial foundation for the future. That is why we have a big responsibility of maintaining or giving our youths a peaceful environment so they can study.)

Looking forward to the future picture of the devastated school, 103rd Infantry Brigade Commanding Officer BGen. Yegor Rey Barroquillo Jr. was optimistic that their restoration plan would be successful, believing this would be one of the most outstanding decisions.

Meanwhile, Mayor Lawyer Dimnatang Pansar conveyed his gratitude to the Philippine Army and stakeholders who brought hope of progress for their conflict-affected locality.

“This is a prayer answered. Napakatagal ng kailangan ito ng Brgy. Ragayan. Napakalimited ng resources ng munisipyo kaya nakipagcooperate tayo sa military at private organizations. Ngayon pa lang nasagot ang prayer ko at ng Brgy. Ragayan kaya malaki ang pagpapasalamat namin na nangyari ito,” he said.

(This is a prayer answered. It has been needed for a long time by Brgy. Ragayan. The municipality's resources are limited. That is why we cooperate with the military and private organizations. We are highly grateful to all of you as our prayer, mine and Brgy. Ragayan's, has been answered at this very moment.

Aside from PAFCPIC, the Ministry of Public Order and Safety likewise pledged to build a covered court for the same school, the United States Institute of Peace promised to give furniture and fixtures, and the Strategic Communications and Capacity Building Project distributed school supplies.(CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)