BORONGAN CITY — Philippine Army troops based here gave up their one-day meal allowance to raise funds to buy groceries which they distributed to families in far-flung villages that were formerly considered as the mass base of communist New People's Army.

The troops of 802nd Infantry (Peerless) Brigade and 78th Infantry (Warrior) Battalion conducted "Christmas Caroling and Santa Patrols" where they serenaded the less fortunate families, senior citizens and children in Barangay San Mateo, Borongan City, Eastern Samar last Monday.

802nd Brigade commander P/Brig. Gen. Noel A Vestuir said the activity served as a way of sharing some blessings to the indigents in form of Noche Buena packages that were raised out of soldiers' contribution of one day meal allowance.

Some stakeholders and friends of the 802Bde and 78IB have also contributed additional cash for the Noche Buena packages.

Vestuir said the village is a former CPP-NPA-NDF mass base area that was already cleared in order to secure the people and prevent the recovery efforts of the NPA remnants.

Soldiers wore Santa caps, sang Christmas carols to selected beneficiaries and gave gifts, food packs and candies to children.

"This endeavor is aimed to make the people feel secure and at the same time enjoy the spirit of Christmas despite the hardships they experience in their everyday lives," Vestuir said.