Project Shoebox: It’s Basilan soldiers’ turn to get gifts

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Remember that longtime campaign of donating school supplies in shoeboxes to children? The Philippine Army has adopted that with its “Project Shoebox: Shoebox ko, Para sa Pag-aaral Mo.”

The Sigma Alpha Sorority of the University of the Philippines Los Baños had a better idea, though: It launched the shoebox project to bring gifts to soldiers in Basilan. 

“Project Shoebox: Bayanihan para sa mga Bayani ng Bayan” seeks to give military personnel personal items as a way of thanking them for their sacrifices for the country.

On Friday, June 17, the Sigma Alpha Sorority turned over 1,500 giftboxes to the military personnel of the 104th Brigade, 18th Infantry Battalion, 64th Infantry Battalion, 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion, 4th Special Forces Battalion, and 8th Field Artillery Battalion of the Philippine Army.

The turnover ceremony was held at the headquarters of the 104th Brigade. 

The boxes contained hygienic kits, clothes, reading materials, and other tokens from donors.

The Army started its Project Shoebox for school children through its Southern Luzon Command in 2012. The initiative, which was led by then Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Sedano Jr, then Commander of the 4th Light Armor Battalion, has since been replicated by other Army units.

The military’s gift-giving project targets mostly students in villages that are under the influence of communist rebels or have been devastated by natural calamities. Other government agencies, as well as non-governmental organizations, have participated as well.

Project Shoebox is supported by the Office of the Civil Affairs Division, led by Captain Michael Angelo Ramirez. – Rappler.com