The AFP soldiers stationed in the Kalayaan Group of Islands receive aid from UPCAO (Photo from AFP PAO).

The University of the Philippines Cadet Alumni Organization (UPCAO) recently doled out “care packages” for the soldiers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) stationed in the Kalayaan Group of Islands and for the area’s school children.

AFP Chief of Staff General Hernando DCA Iriberri received the donations during the October 5 flag raising ceremony of the organization at the AFP General Headquarters in Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

The “care packages” contain goods and items that are not readily available in the islands. For those donated to the soldiers, the packages were composed of packs of powdered drinks, canned goods, biscuits, energy bars, toiletries, utility items, recreational goods like board games, and phone cards among others.

The packages that will be handed to the children include school materials, powdered milk, cereal, child-friendly reference books, and mosquito repellants.

During his speech, Gen. Iriberri recognized the work of the soldiers deployed in the area located in the Spratly Archipelago, which China claims as their territory. “The soldiers who are deployed in our far off stations in the Kalayaan Island Group are truly commendable,” he remarked.

“Their dedication and firm resolve to watch over our islands at the outskirts of our territory means that they will be facing dangers that are born out of the ambitions of foreign entities. And it is here that their flame of desire to defend our country is fanned, all while the rest of us are asleep,” he added.

He also expressed his gratitude to UPCAO on behalf of the AFP soldiers. “I am sure this means a lot to them, not just the material provisions, but more especially knowing that in each one of these boxes is the sincere show of support of its donors,” he shared.

A “care package” is typically intended for a group of people who are away from home.

(Source: AFP PAO)