Orphans, street children experience the Navy life

ABOARD AM701 — For one day, 40 street children and orphans from a shelter in Manila were given a treat to experience what life is like in the Philippine Navy.

The children from Asilo de San Vicente de Paul visited military museums, rode armored tanks, flew a plane, and sailed a ship. The program, dubbed as “Experience the Navy Dream,” was part of the Philippine Navy’s 117th anniversary celebration to be held later this month. It aimed to inspire the children to consider a military career in the near future.

“The purpose of this is to inspire the children to consider joining the Navy in the future. We let them ride a plane, tanks and a ship,” Navy public affairs office chief Commander Lued Lincuna said on Friday.

PHOTO by RYAN LEAGOGO/INQUIRER.net

The children started their day early at the Philippine Marines headquarters in Taguig City to tour the museum and ride the amphibious tanks. After breakfast, they were transported through a bus to Naval Air Group in Cavite where they were given a chance to fly for a few minutes via a Navy Islander plane. In nearby Naval Station Sangley Point, they toured four ships and had lunch aboard BRP Fort Abad (AM701) and later sailed for almost two hours to Philippine Navy Headquarters in Manila.

“We have a saying that ‘Join the Navy and see our country for free or the world for free.’ This is one of the branches of the AFP whose mandate is to protect the people and the state including territorial integrity. Kakaiba ang buhay dito (Life here is unique),” he added.

The activity is part of the Navy’s recruitment plan amid China’s heightened aggression in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea). A recruitment concert featuring Navy and Marine bands at the mall is also part of the anniversary celebration activities. Fliers and application forms will be distributed there.

READ: China fears spur PH naval upgrade

“This is also in anticipation of the new equipment as part of our modernization…We are increasing our strength to man our posts,” he said, referring to the landing craft from South Korea and Australia.

The Navy has a strength of about 22,000 personnel at present.

Samuel Reyes, 13, an orphan, is now considering joining the Navy after his experience.

“Gusto ko po magsundalo para makatulong sa bayan na nasasakupan (I want to be a soldier to help a country that faces invasion),” he said.

He said he was happy with his experience to fly for the first time, and he also enjoyed the film viewing aboard the ship about Navy Seals in training.

“Gusto ko rin maranasan ‘yun (I also want to experience that),” he said.

READ: Philippine Navy needs 4,000 personnel 

Sr. Melly Espinelli, DC, of Asilo de San Vicente de Paul, was grateful for the treat for the children.

“This is an avenue for them, an opening of their hearts and minds. Sa lahat ng outreach na nare-receive nila ngayon kakaiba ito. Most of the time iniimbitahan sila sa mall, sa Jollibee. Maraming salamat! Asahan niyo ang aming panalangin (From all the outreach activities they were a part of, this is different. Most of the time, they would be invited to go to the mall or to Jollibee. Thank you! We will pray for you),” she said.

She said she hopes the children will not immediately forget the experience and at the same time be inspired to serve the nation.

“Sa kanilang araw-araw na panalangin sana maalala nila ang miyembro ng Philippine Navy at higit sa lahat magkaroon ng inspiration serve the country (I hope that in their everyday prayers, they will include members of the Philippine Navy and most importantly, be inspired to serve the country), she said. IDL