In a spirit of holiday compassion, military reservists organized a special Christmas outreach for inmates at a major detention facility in Central Visayas.
Reservists Swap Party for Service
Instead of holding their annual Christmas celebration, members of the 1901st Ready Reserve Infantry Brigade (RRIBDe) chose to bring festive cheer to those behind bars. On December 17, 2025, they conducted a gift-giving activity for the Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) at the Male Dormitory of the Mandaue City Jail in Barangay Labogon.
The activity was spearheaded by Brigadier General Erik Miguel Espina, the Commanding Officer of the 1901st RRIBDe. The event underscored the brigade's commitment to community service and humanitarian engagement during the holiday season.
A Day of Spiritual Nourishment and Shared Talents
The outreach began with a solemn Holy Mass inside the jail facility, officiated by Father Anton Belarde from Don Bosco. The liturgical celebration was enhanced by the melodic voices of the Mandaue City Jail PDL Choir Group. Following the mass, the PDLs expressed their gratitude to Father Belarde for his spiritual guidance.
The program then shifted to a lighter tone, featuring a talent showcase by the inmates themselves. In a gesture of camaraderie and shared humanity, Lieutenant Ailyn Tumalon also performed a song, fostering a sense of connection between the reservists and the PDLs.
Essential Donations and Sustenance Provided
A team of reservists, led by Sergeant Major MSG Gene Anthony Valenzuela, personally distributed the donated goods. The team included several dedicated personnel:
- Sgt Mark Pogoy
- Pfc Michael Lucero
- Pfc Lea Racaza
- Pvt Peter Ewayan
- Pvt Jennifer Harville
- Pvt Narciso Sinugbuhan Jr.
- Pvt Efrel Carian
The donations comprised practical and comforting items essential for daily life, including:
- Towels and slippers (tsinelas)
- Candies and biscuits
- Bibles for spiritual support
- Medicines (tambal)
To complete the act of kindness, the reservists also provided packed lunches for all the inmates, ensuring the day was marked by both material support and nourishment.
This initiative by the 1901st Ready Reserve Infantry Brigade highlights the powerful impact of community outreach, offering hope and human dignity to Persons Deprived of Liberty during the Christmas season in Mandaue City.
