MABALACAT CITY – In accordance with the National Task Force to End the Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), the Philippine Air Force – Air Defense Command (PAF-ADC) through its 355th Aviation Engineer Wing and Widus Foundation Inc. (WFI) will begin to construct a learning center in Nabuclod, Floridablanca.
The construction of the child development center will begin by the end of June as part of the “Para sa Batang Ayta” project which aims to support the indigenous people through educational programs for children ages 3 to 5 years old.
According to ADC civil military operations officer Cpt. Jayson Geronimo, the PAF-ADC believes in promoting basic education as the solid foundation to help the children develop literacy, critical thinking, effective communication, and better understanding.
“Children whom we consider to be our hope for the future have the right to family care, protection, love, and safe spaces for them to grow and become good and productive citizens of the country. These rights should be looked after with shared responsibility by the parents, the community and the government to keep these children free from any harm and grow in a nurturing environment through the provision of good education,” said Geronimo.
“In the recent military operations that occurred in Surigao del Sur between military and Lumads, it is sad to note that a minor was involved in an armed conflict situation that led to her death. She should be in an environment of learning and growing where books and pens are her armour in gaining knowledge, taking responsibilities, building character, and preparing oneself for life,” he added.
Geronimo said, through the objective of the NTF-ELCAC to end armed conflicts in the country, the public-private partnership between the PAF-ADC and WFI will promote basic education especially to the IP sectors.
“The public-private partnership can make a difference if it works as one to be of service to the IP community’s development to end the local communist armed conflict and achieve peace,” said Geronimo.
“Let us put in mind that we cannot gain peace by making children carry arms rather let us equip them with knowledge and ideals that would mold them to become good leaders and active members of our society,” he furthered.
PAF-ADC also shared that despite the suspension of face-to-face learning due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the construction of the learning center will continue as it will affect the educational foundation of IP children by establishing stakeholder engagements with private and other government sectors which share the same mission in promoting education and the welfare of children.
The PAF-ADC and WFI also distributed a total of 660 packs of learning materials and food packs to the IP communities in Mabalacat City, Angeles City, and the municipalities of Porac, Floridablanca, Bamban, and Capas, Tarlac last February and March.
