ILIGAN CITY (PIA) -- An outreach program in Barangay Mainit here has brought essential support to 400 pupils from  Lower Mainit Elementary School, Mainit Elementary School, Rebucon Elementary School, Pudog Elementary School, and Ampucao Elementary School.

The Women and Children Protection Desk of the Iligan City Police Office (ICPO), in collaboration with the city government, Department of Education, 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade, Philippine Coast Guard, 55th Engineer Brigade, Motivation Philippines, AJG Security Agency Corporation, J4S Security Agency, and Rotary Club Iligan South, spearheaded an outreach program to extend vital services to remote communities.

“Naka-line-up ni sa program sa WCPD naghatag ug information labi na sa kabataan ug kababaihan sa barangay nga naay ahensya sa goberyno, particularly ang Philippine National Police (PNP) nga naghatag og proteksyon sa mga kabataan ug kababaihan nga nakaexperience ug violence [This is aligned with the program of WCPD; it provides information, especially to the youth and women in the barangay, that there is a government agency, particularly the PNP, that offers protection to those who have experienced violence],” said ICPO City Director PCol. Reinante Delos Santos.

Meanwhile, Police Regional Office-10 Regional Community Affairs Development Division Chief PCol Reynante Reyes emphasized the collaboration between various stakeholders to promote a holistic approach to community engagement. He also stressed the importance of showing the residents, particularly in geographically isolated and disadvantageous areas, that the government is actively present and committed to providing various services and assistance.

The outreach program provided various essentials to the pupils, including school supplies, toys, hygiene kits, food packs, medicine, slippers, clothes, raincoats, and rain boots. Additionally, free circumcision, medical check-ups, and legal consultations were offered. Children also engaged in activities such as drawing and reading sessions. A police mascot also entertained the children.

Despite the difficulties their remote location presented, the residents of Barangay Mainit expressed their gratitude for the government's assistance. Among them is Erlinda Lundahan, whose grandchildren received school supplies and other essentials. 

“Nalipay mi. Dako kaayo ning tabang sa amo nga mga pobre kay layo kaayo  diri. Maayo gani dinhi daghan kaayo og hinabang [We are happy. This is a big help for us, who are poor and live in a remote area. It is good that there is a lot of assistance available here]," she said. 

Kattren Sumalinog also expressed gratitude for the services provided during the outreach program, including medical consultations and free circumcision for the children. She emphasized the significance of these services for their community since they rely solely on cultivating corn, coconuts, and bananas for their livelihood.

Moreover, Rosemio Pagara expressed gratitude for the services rendered to their community. Despite the challenging road and weather conditions, he appreciated the effort made to reach their community.

The stakeholders also planted trees in the vicinity of Mainit Elementary School. (LELA/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)