BAYANIHAN SA GERONA" LAUNCHED

Bayanihan, the common Filipino tradition where community members volunteer to help a family move to a new place, is alive in Gerona.

But volunteers this time were the Philippine Army, local agencies, the police, people’s organizations, and the local government of Gerona.

“Bayanihan sa Gerona,” a joint project of the 3rd Mechanized Infantry Battalion, Light Armor Division (LAD), Philippine Army (PA), municipal government of Gerona, Local Government Agencies, People’s Organizations, and Philippine National Police, was held August 20 at the Gerona Municipality Hall.

In his acceptance message, Mayor Dennis Go shared his idealism on the importance of bayanihan and heroism.

Go said the province was fortunate to have the late Sen. Ninoy Aquino who showed a great example of heroism to Tarlaqueños.

“But we don’t have to be a Ninoy Aquino or risk our lives to show heroism,” he said.

“We could be a hero in our own little ways by doing important things to achieve peace or by winning the fight against poverty.”

LTC Cesar J. Mejico, PA Executive Officer, pledged to support the program and appealed to all stakeholders to cooperate and support the project.

Police chief PSR/INSP. Cresencio M. Cuaresma, said local police was also supporting the project.

“The whole force of Gerona police is behind this Bayanihan project. We will double our efforts to achieve a more peaceful town.”

Participants of the Bayanihan sa Gerona formally launched the project by literally lifting a real bahay kubo to symbolize unity and cooperation of stakeholders.

The formal launching was followed by the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the 3rd Mechanized Infantry Battalion and Gerona PNP.