The Indigenous Peoples (IP) beneficiaries availed of the different government services such as free medical check-ups; free medicine; Oplan Tuli; minor surgery; free haircut; Covid-19 vaccination; birth registration; free dental care; and feeding activity.
The residents also received food packs and hygiene kits.
The activity was spearheaded by 10th Infantry Division alongside 1001st Infantry Brigade, and 60th Infantry Battalion, and Kapalong Local Government Unit.
This was also participated by the 7th Air Reserve Center, My Father's House Inc., and teachers of Tapayanon Elementary School.
In her message, Kapalong Mayor Maria Theresa R. Timbol lauded the dedication of the military in ensuring the delivery of government services to Sitio Tapayanon.
“The Philippine Army has brought many services with them today for all the residents. My plea to all tribal leaders is for them to make a bold statement that their respective communities chose a peaceful life with a government that truly cares for its people, and that they will no longer participate, by any form, in an armed movement that destroys the peace in their community," Timbol said in vernacular.
Tribal Chieftain Datu Bansing Balanban also recognized the soldiers who said, was the key player in their community's struggle for peace and harmony when the unit discovered their sitio in 2019 and facilitated their transfer at Sitio Mondol in 2020.
Major Nolasco A Mempin, 10th ID commander assured that the command will continue to protect the people of Sitio Tapayanon and pave a way, in collaboration with the LGU and other government agencies, for the sitio's further development.
Sitio Tapayanon has been a stronghold for the communist New People’s Army for the longest years.
However, according to Mempin, since the sitio has been discovered, it became the center for development and an instrument in neutralizing the armed group in the area.
Photo from 10th ID