52nd Infantry Battalion (CAFGU) launches Christmas Caravan in Ormoc City

By 2LT EVANGELINE G. ARICHETA (INF) PA
December 12, 2010

BRGY. CATICUGAN, Sta. Rita, Samar  –  After the gift giving activity and blood letting in Sta Rita, Samar last December 6 and 7, 2010 respectively, as part of 52nd Infantry Battalion’s celebration of Christmas, the unit continues to share the spirit of Christmas in Ormoc City last December 11, 2010.

From the Battalion Headquarters at Sta. Rita, Samar, the troops of 52IB, headed by the Commanding Officer, Lt Col Roberto S. Capulong, went to Ormoc City to bring Santa Claus and his elves to the children early morning of December 11, 2010. The people in Ormoc City were very amazed to see Santa Claus riding in a military vehicle; much more, his (Santa Clause’s) elves wearing military uniform. This non-traditional military operation made not only the children in Ormoc but elders very happy as well. The soldier Santa gave assorted candies, cash and balloons to the children in the area.

LtCol. Capulong said that the battalion should not wait to be the recipient for gifts this Christmas. Rather, we should be the one to give and share this Christmas.

“This is just the start of our Christmas Caravan. Our goal is to bring this caravan to all provinces in Region 8”, LtCol. Capulong added.

Indeed, Santa Claus is real thru our dedication of our Filipino soldiers. Not thru the NPAs or other groups against the government.

In another event, the Alfa Company of the 52nd Infantry Battalion turned over some used clothing to CSWD in Ormoc City last December 11, 2010 as part of their campaign to draw the Philippine Army closer to people.

Aside from being the debut activity of Christmas Caravan (Theme: Pamaskong Handog Mula sa 52IB) of the battalion, this activity is the first part of the Christmas Party of Alfa Company of 52IB, lead by 1Lt Gener Contillo. The caravan was done in the morning and another gift giving activity (Theme: Drawing your Army Closer to the People) was done in the evening. During the Christmas Party proper, Alfa Company, 52IB turned over used clothing to CSWD in Ormoc City, headed by Ms Marietta Legaspi.

Alfa Company, 52IB generated more than 40 sacks or estimated 600 kgs of used clothing by coordinating with LGUs in the whole island of Leyte thru their CAFGU Detachments.

These “Maagang Pamasko mula sa Kawal Filipino” activities are the 52nd Infantry Battalion’s way sharing the spirit of Christmas to the people of Leyte. 1Lt Contillo added, “These clothes will be given to poor families in children in Leyte. And this is the humblest gift we can give to our Leyteño brothers.”