The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) inaugurated four newly built classrooms and a 40-meter hanging bridge in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas in Lanao del Norte and Zamboanga City Friday.
Gen. Gilbert Gapay, AFP chief of staff, graced the launching of two new classrooms at the Pamsur Primary School in Salvador, a fifth class municipality in Lanao del Norte.
He thanked the GMA Kapuso Foundation for teaming up with the military to complete the community development projects.
"The joint project not only brought new infrastructure in the area, it also gave the people of Salvador, Lanao del Norte (a) new hope for a more peaceful and developed community in the future," Gapay said.
The 55th Engineering Brigade provided support in the construction and security of two classrooms and two toilet facilities at the Pamsur Primary School which will benefit around 200 students.
Elements of the 54th Engineering Brigade took charge in building a 40-meter cable suspended steel and concrete hanging bridge in Salvador.
The bridge is seen to help students from other nearby towns to easily get to Pamsur Primary School. It will also aid residents to travel to and from Salvador.
Military engineers also provided manpower to build two more classrooms with toilet facilities in Barangay Cabatangan, Zamboanga City.
"It is the desire of the AFP to promote peace and development in all parts of the country. Projects like these are of significant help in the attainment of our mandated task to protect the best interest of the Filipino people and secure the sovereignty of the state," Gapay said.
The community development projects were the result of a partnership between the AFP and GMA Kapuso Foundation in February 2020.
The projects were formally turned over to the respective local government units (LGUs) by Gapay and representatives from GMA Kapuso Foundation.
(photos from AFP)
