The 25th Infantry Battalion recently conducted the Katropa Mobile Learning Project at a former New People's Army lair in Davao de Oro town.

Teachers and students at Piasusuan Elementary School in Barangay Napnapan, Pantukan, Davao de Oro said the project launched last 12 October had provided them with joy and inspiration.

Sitio Piasusuan, located on the border of Maragusan, is 32 kilometers away from Barangay Poblacion of Pantukan town. It was once a Kilusang Rebulosyonaryong Barangay controlled by the NPA.

The KM Learning Project aims to inspire students by engaging them through education, creativity, and enjoyment while adhering to the learning standards of the Department of Education.

Additionally, one of the military trucks of the 25IB was designed like a classroom decorated with educational materials. Eugene Nacion, the head teacher of the said school, thanked the 25IB for the project brought to them.

"In all my years of teaching here, this is the first time I have witnessed an Army activity that focuses on students' learning. It is the first time that military troops visited us without guns but with books, songs, inspiration, and entertainment," he added.

Pantukan Mayor Jhong Ceniza has pledged his support for the project after witnessing its positive impact on the children.

"As we all know, it is the first time such an event has taken place here. For so long, this area had been a war zone, and the children here had developed a stigma regarding men in uniform," he said.

Ceniza said that the stigma has long gone as they are now seeing the troops dancing, and being so approachable and friendly.

"We are overjoyed now. Thank you so much for all your efforts. I will always be your partner in every program, especially this particular initiative," he added.