Reservists send ‘care packages’ for soldiers in Spratlys, students in Pag-asa Island

Military troops stationed at the Philippine-claimed detachments in the Kalayaan Island Group (Spratlys) in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) and students in Pag-asa Island (Thitu) will receive care packages prepared by a group of reservists.

“We hope these packages will raise their morale and let troops out there know they are not forgotten by the Filipinos they protect,” said Tina Hernandez, liaison officer of the University of the Philippines Cadet Alumni Organization at the turnover ceremony at Camp Aguinaldo on Monday.

Care packages are sent to people far from home, such as soldiers, to ease the feeling of homesickness.

Hernandez said they have prepared nine care packages for the West Philippine Sea troops. The packages contain food, toiletries, medical supplies, cleaning materials, books and recreational materials as well as letters of encouragement.

There are nine islands and reefs claimed by the Philippines in the disputed West Philippine Sea where Navy and Marine troops serve for about three to six months.

Pag-asa Island, the largest island of the Philippine claims, is the only community with civilian residents.

Students from Pag-asa Island Elementary School will get two care packages filled with school supplies, art materials and children’s books.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will distribute the care packages.

“We believe the West Philippine Sea is one area where all Filipinos can be united in supporting our troops. We hope other Filipinos will be sending care packages and support our cause,” she said.

AFP Chief Gen. Hernando Iriberri, meanwhile, expressed gratitude to the scholar-reservists in behalf of the troops.

He said these packages are an early Christmas treat for the troops and the pupils of Pag-asa Island.

“These are not just gifts…this is an affirmation…This conveys that the people care for them,” he said.