NFWM conducts Community Outreach during the 50th Araw ng Sirawai, ZaNorte

By HIROHITO ‘jong’ D. CADION

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (June 19, 2018) –  Naval Forces Western Mindanao joined the constituents of Sirawai municipality in the province of Zamboanga Del Norte in celebrating its 50^th Founding Anniversary known as “Araw ng Sirawai” and Bugwakan Festival on Friday, June 15, 2018.

The Municipal Mayor Gamar A. Janihim graced the occasion with the Commander of Naval Forces Western Mindanao Rear Adm. Rene V Medina AFP, who is a native of Sirawai, along with NFWM Fleet-Marine Team and Local Government Unit officials.

The Araw ng Sirawai celebration was highlighted by the Community Outreach activity includes free circumcision, free haircut, free Medical Consultation, free Dental Consultation and Tooth Extraction, Free eye check-up and eyeglasses, gift giving, film showing and Community Dialogue to the residents of Sirawai.

Of course, the successful conduct of the outreach activity was made possible with the support from the Medical and Dental Team of AFP Health Service South (AFPHS-South) and Police Regional Office 9 (PRO-9), Combat Service Support Brigade (CSSBde).

Also participated the Community Outreach are, Marine Battalion Landing Team-11 (MBLT 11), Naval Special Operations Unit-9 (NAVSOU 6), Civil Military Operations Unit – Western Mindanao (CMOU-WM), Naval Reserve Center – Western Mindanao (NRCen-WM); partner-stakeholders from Ciudad Medical De Zamboanga, Mega Global Inc. and the Crystal Vision and Venus Salon.

Moreover, Freddie Aguilar and Watawat Band had their Charity Concert with Ms Zara Lopez during the celebration of Sirawai's 50^th Founding Anniversary to entertain the residents and guests.

The Municipality gave a Plaque of Appreciation to Rear Adm Medina on behalf of the men and women of NFWM for readily providing support and security along the coastal barangays of the Municipality.

“As you can see, there is so much joy and liveliness in the community and as such, we intend to keep it that way. That is why, we, the men and women of NFWM will continue to implement our mandate of protecting the southern seas and coastal areas of Mindanao. We intend to stop the lawless elements from running not just in our beloved hometown but also in ZAMBASULTA area,” Rear Adm. Medina expressed.

“With your unending support, we can always do better things and achieve greater accomplishments in the promotion of peace and prosperity in Mindanao. Sa bisaya pa, magtinabangay usa kita arun malipayon kita pirmi og iwas gubot sa atong kinabuhi,” NFWM Commander, added.

This Civil Military Operation initiative is in support to NFWM’s CMO Plan “Magpaila Na Ta” in promoting peace, ensuring security, helping maintain public order and supporting the overall development initiatives of the government.

Exactly a year ago, NFWM also conducted a Community Outreach to the locals of Sirawai during its 49th Founding Anniversary. Truly, the continuous participation of the command in the celebration of the Municipality’s 50^th Founding Anniversary this year promotes a strong relationship and trust of the people with the military.

The citizens are assured that the Navy in the Western Mindanao is with them in the pursuit of peace, safety, public order and over all development.