DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental, Philippines — The Philippine Army’s 302 Infantry Brigade and 79th Infantry Battalion, in coordination with the Oriental Negros Children’s Advocacy Network (ONCAN), Department of Education (DepEd) and the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (NOPPO) recently initiated the Bayanihan Pasa Sa Kabataan “Lakbay Aral” program benefitting 60 grades 5 and 6 pupils, including dependents of militiamen.

Among those who participated in the project were 40 grades 5 and 6 pupils of Sitio Candanqui Elementary School in Azagra, Tanjay City, Negros Oriental and 20 other pupils who are children of Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) members.

The activity was aimed at widening the horizon of schoolchildren, helping them to create a positive outlook in life by exposing them to other people, places and events/activities outside their communities and to promote education in the community as a key to the children’s brighter future.

It is also intended to further strengthen the armed forces' partnership with various stakeholders in the province.

During the activity, the children, accompanied by their teachers and school principal, Anecito Gazo, boarded military vehicles belonging to the 302 Brigade.