The 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division and Joint Task Force Central facilitated the turnover of approximately 2,000 books and textbooks to a school in Maguindanao del Sur on November 2, 2026, in a ceremony held at Makatao Hall, Camp Siongco, Maguindanao del Norte.
The learning materials were donated by Sacred Heart School – Ateneo de Cebu, represented by Mr. Gabriel Joseph Catolico, and are intended for Hadji Ali Baganian Memorial School in Barangay Nest Tambunan, Talayan, Maguindanao del Sur. Mr. Albert Hadjihil, School President of the recipient institution, received the books on behalf of the school.
Catu Leads Ceremony at Camp Siongco
The handover was conducted under the leadership of Brig. Gen. Edgar L. Catu, commander of the 6th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Central, according to a press release issued by the Division Public Affairs Office (DPAO) on November 2, 2026.
Brig. Gen. Catu expressed gratitude to Ateneo de Cebu for the donation and called on other stakeholders to contribute books, learning materials, or conduct educational activities targeting underserved schools and students from underprivileged families.
Command Invites Further Donations and Partnerships
In a statement released through the DPAO, the Command said it remains open to facilitating similar contributions from other organisations and individuals.
"We encourage other stakeholders to help or donate educational materials which we are more than willing to facilitate so that more learners can access educational opportunities and build a better future. Regardless of our religious backgrounds, we share a common responsibility to support education and build peace. The Command remains a willing partner and conduit for initiatives that bring communities together."
Interfaith Cooperation Cited as Key Goal
According to the 6th Infantry Division DPAO, the initiative reflects a commitment to education, interfaith cooperation, and peace-building in Central and South Central Mindanao. The Command described the donation as an example of how collective efforts across religious and cultural differences can strengthen community ties.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of 6th Infantry Division, Philippine Army / DPAO