The 79th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army participated in the Bike for Girls 2014 held in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, Saturday.

The activity was in partnership with the 302nd “Achiever” Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army, the Visayan Forum Foundation Inc., Oriental Negros Children’s Advocacy Network, Department of Education Negros Oriental, Gender Watch Against Violence and Exploitation, Samahan at Ugnayan ng Manggagawang Pantahanan and the Dumaguete Cycling Advocacy Network.

The 88–Bikes organized the event that was held at the Negros Oriental High School Gymnasium in Dumaguete, Lt. Alex Robillos said in a press release.

The 150 recipients of bikes were selected from 10 municipalities, 17 public schools, two partner-communities, and partner non-government organizations GWAVE and the ONCAN.

They included seven victims of human trafficking, 15 victims of violence against women and children, four children of rebel returnees, and 124 vulnerable girls, or working students, and children of domestic workers and farm workers.

88–Bikes co-founder Dan Austin said it was their second time to host the activity in Dumaguete, and they are grateful to work with the NGOs, the DepEd, and the Army, among others, Robillos said.

The recipients thanked the sponsors and their partners.

Lt. Colonel Harold Anthony Pascua, commanding officer of the 79th IB, told the donor organizations that this program may be replicated in far-flung barangays, for vulnerable and needy children, Austin affirmed his support, for it, the press release also said.

Colonel Allan Martin, commanding officer of the 302nd IB, said the Army does not only excel in external defense but also in internal defense, by participating in such activities.

The IPSP “Bayanihan” approach highlights the awareness of heroism, service, sacrifice and dignity of all men and women in the uniformed service he said. He also emphasized the Army’s support to noteworthy undertakings, like this.*JFP/PR

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