AFP supports BOB gift-giving program

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will extend due assistance in the distribution of gift bags to some 10,000 underprivileged families in 21 cities and municipalities around the country starting today to celebrate the Chinese New Year.

Soldiers and military equipment will be deployed to support the gift-giving program.

The AFP, in partnership with the Metrobank Foundation Inc. (MBFI) and GT Capital Holdings will be holding the Bags of Blessings (BOB ) Project 2018 until February 23.

The project is aimed distributing R10 million worth of assorted food items to underprivileged families.

This is a complementary activity of soldiers as part of community relations and parallel to the AFP’s peace and development efforts.

AFP Public Affairs chief Lt. Col. Emmanuel R. Garcia, said the AFP’s goal is to ensure the safe transport and peaceful distribution of the gift items, particularly in depressed and conflict areas.

The distribution areas in the National Capital Region (NCR) are the cities of Manila, Taguig, Pasay, Marikina, Quezon, Makati, Navotas and Caloocan covering 4,000 families.

Gift bags will likewise be distributed in parts of General Trias, Cavite; Sta. Rosa, Laguna; Baras, Rizal; Infanta, Quezon; Botolan, Zambales; Iloilo City, Cebu City, Biliran, Ormoc City, Davao City, Surigao City, General Santos City and Talocogon, Agusan del Sur.

The AFP has been an active partner in the BOB Project since 2015.

It was launched in 2011 by MBFI and GT Capital Holdings and has become a tradition of giving back every Chinese New Year.

The AFP’s support to the nationwide gift-giving activity is a manifestation of its commitment to nation building.

It also reflects the AFP’s peace and development efforts through community engagements aimed at providing basic services and needed aid to our people in need, Garcia said.