The “Apud-Apod” Project

CEBU, Philippines - The Regional Maritime Unit 7 (RMU7) initiated their “best practice” activity, the “Apud-Apod” Project wherein RMU7 personnel visit island barangays within their area of responsibility to reach out to the community they serve through different activities that benefit the local people, most especially to the children.

The pilot project under the initiative was first conducted at the island barangay of Caubian, Lapulapu City, on June 11. RMU7 personnel distributed slippers and vitamins to approximately 300 children.  The group from RMU7 and the 701st Maritime Police Station (MARPSTA) was led by Police superintendent Alvin Anabo Gumacal, Assistant RMU7Chief and 701ST MARPSTA Station Chief, together with Ms. Lavilla A Chua, RMU7 Advisory Council member, and RMU7 Coastal Barangay Information Network (CBIN) members.

The group then proceeded to another island barangay, Barangay Pangan-an, also of Lapu-lapu City, where they were welcomed by Barangay Councilor Roberto Casiao, Pangan-an Elementary School Principal Marilou Pacilan, school teachers, parents and elementary pupils in coordination with Barangay Chairman Virgilio Casiao. PSupt. Gumacal then briefed everyone present of the purpose of the visit.

A feeding activity followed, for 400 children in the barangay. Next, the visiting group presented school supplies to the teachers, to be distributed to the 300 students of the school.  The items came in time for the opening of classes on June 13. It was intended to help and encourage the children in their studies.

The outreach project ended in a dialogue or pulong-pulong, where some community members were recruited as Lambat Sibat volunteers of RMU7.   (FREEMAN)