The 17th Philippine Contingent to Liberia (PCL) is set to return home sometime in June at the end of their tour of duty in UNMIL. Members of the contingent have been actively engaged in civil-military programmes in addition to their regular duties of securing personnel and properties and providing clerical support to many UNMIL offices.

One humanitarian project close to their heart is the follow up support to Life Village Orphanage Home at Yeakpee Town, Old Road, Monrovia, initiated by the previous Philippine contingent.

Since their arrival in the mission in October last year, the 17th PCL has been actively interacting with the orphans. Twice a month members of the contingent visited the orphanage to conduct medical check-up and consultations, and also donated medicines, school supplies, and light sports equipment,. They used to take food for the children in addition to help clean up the premises. The peacekeepers also shared movies with the children as well as interactive games. The children always used to look forward to the arrival of the peacekeepers.

As a final farewell gesture, the 17th PCL in full force led by their Commanding Officer, Col. Fidel Igmedio T. Cruz, Jr. (PAF) along with some guests, including Col. James Mosser, Chief of Force CIMIC, visited the orphanage in the second week of May. They had for the children some parting gifts as well as some heart-warming messages. The occasion instantly turned into a show of talents for both the peacekeepers and the children as they danced and sang. They also shared snacks and watched a video presenting a compilation of pictures taken during their various activities at the orphanage.

Pastor B. Tiah had only compliments for the extra effort by the Philippine peacekeepers in making the less fortunate in the country feel loved and cared for. Although the 17th contingent is departing, it is hoped that these humanitarian gestures will be taken forward with the same zeal by the succeeding Philippine contingent.