SOFT Movement distributes items, supplies to soldiers in Zamboanga City

• Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=2&rid=929542
• Friday, October 7, 2016

(PNA), LAP/TPGJR/R.G. ANTONET A. GO

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Oct. 7 (PNA) -– The Support Our Filipino Troops Movement-Cebu (SOFT Movement) on Friday turned over personal items and supplies to the troops of the Joint Task Force Zamboanga (JTFZ) in Camp Enrile in this city.

Aside from personal items, they also turned over to the JTFZ sacks of rice, canned goods, water containers, combat boots and others. Miata Manglapus, SOFT-Cebu volunteer, told the Philippines News Agency that the personal goods and supplies were gathered through the collective efforts of the members of the movement.

Manglapus said the donation of the items and supplies is a way of expressing gratitude to the brave soldiers “for doing your duty” in protecting the country.

“Your family is very proud of you and the civilian sector,” Manglapus said.

One of the recipients of the donations, Sgt. Roderico Santo, said, “Gusto kong magpasalamat sa mga donors. Mahalaga ito sa amin mga sundalo ang pinakita nilang tulong (I would like to thank the donors. Their help is important to us soldiers).” Santo said the distribution of the items and supplies by civilian sector groups like the SOFT-Cebu, will motivate them to be diligent in their duty.

Col. Juvymax Uy, JTFZ commander, urged the soldiers to carry on their mandated tasks, citing the civilians support them.

“Your (SOFT Movement) action as Filipinos is a great appreciation of your support to your armed forces. To the soldiers go on and fight…perform to the highest level of our mandated duty, our citizens have not forgotten us,” Uy said.

He assured that the supplies will also be shared to the Joint Task Force Basilan and Joint Task Force Sulu.

SOFT Movement is a non-profit organization that provides opportunity to the community members to express their appreciation and also offer support to the soldiers.

The movement’s vision is to foster unity and rekindle nationalism among Filipinos through showing care towards the men and women in the battlefields.

Its mission is to boost the morale and well-being of the soldiers by providing comfort, resources and possibly education to them and their families both while they are deployed in harm’s way and after their return.