Soldiers donate P4-M subsistence allowance for 'Carina' victims

MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has donated P4 million to help the victims of Super Typhoon Carina.

AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. turned over the check to GMA Kapuso Foundation Inc. during a bloodletting event Saturday.

AFP Public Affairs Office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said the donation came from a portion of soldiers' subsistence allowance.

"We know that GMA Kapuso Foundation will put this amount to good use. 'Yung mga proyekto (The projects) that we jointly undertook already, like school buildings and bridges, we hope that this amount will also help rebuild infrastructure that was destroyed by Typhoon Carina," Brawner said during the turnover ceremony.

Trinidad added that the initiative showed the military's dedication to serve the Filipino people not only through national defense but also through meaningful contributions to community welfare and disaster resilience.

Carina battered Metro Manila and nearby regions late July, enhancing the southwest monsoon (habagat) and triggering massive flooding in various areas.

The capital region, along with other local government units, declared a state of calamity due to the effects of flooding.

Reserve force

Meanwhile, the AFP Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) conducted its Regional Reservists Convention also on Saturday to enhance the capability of the reserve force in responding to calamities.

The activity provided the participants with additional knowledge on community engagements and civil-military relations, cyber security, Republic Act 7077 or the Citizen Armed Forces of the Philippines Reservist Act and West Philippine Sea issue.

WestMinCom chief, Lt. Gen. William Gonzales, emphasized the role of reservists, especially in times of calamities.

"Hence, we continuously conduct activities focusing on building relationships, disaster preparedness, as well as collaboration and coordination," Gonzales said. (PNA)