Citizens pen ‘Letters to Marawi’ to show support for soldiers

On Independence Day, an initiative to write letters for soldiers deployed in Marawi, where clashes between the military and the Maute group continue, spread on social media.

The idea came from Tiger Garrido, a doctor, who visited Marawi and found that the soldiers were short on personal supplies like underwear and socks.

Aside from these, Garrido also learned that the soldiers also found joy in receiving letters and thank you notes.

His initiative to provide these small items for out soldiers reached a group of friends, who decided to help build a care package and give the idea a signal boost.

"My student, Gabbee and my friend, Kylie told me about someone they know named TIGER GARRIDO, who will be going to Marawi this Friday to distribute supplies and give medical services to those affected by the fighting there, most especially the soldiers," Rinz Araneta, a teacher from PAREF Woodrose School for Girls, wrote on her Facebook page.

She added, "Aside from providing our troops with medical care, he also wants to help lift their spirits by giving them letters from those civilians and citizens they are fighting for--us."

Araneta continued by commending the soldiers' commitment to their duty to protect the country, which she said was at the heart of Andres Bonifacio's poem, "Pag-ibig sa Tinubuang Lupa."

"They epitomize that love our hero spoke of by devoting themselves for our motherland's protection," she said. "This is the least we can do for them. I ask for your time and your stationery to compose them letters of hope, of gratitude, of love, of care, of thoughtfulness. They need to know how much we honor them and their efforts."

Araneta shared that those who are interested in sending letters to the troops may send a message to her on Facebook or leave a comment to arrange the details.

She also encouraged people to be creative and make an effort to create a handwritten letter or card, which she volunteered to pick up in specific locations.

"For those living in the South, I can go to either Madison, Pergola, Cuenca, Molito, or Alabang Town Center at a specific time in order to pick up your letters. For those living midway, I can easily go to Greenbelt at around 5:30 to get them," she said. "And for those living in the North, ['di] kaya ng powers ko. But we shall find a way."

On Tuesday, Araneta shared that teachers from Woodrose and their families have already sent in letters for soldiers. Their contact will be heading to Marawi on Friday, so the last day to send handwritten messages of support is Thursday noon.

In a brief chat exchange with GMA News Online on Wednesday, Araneta said, "I was surprised at the request of the soldiers. The need for human connection."

Her and Garrido's page are open to people interested in sending letters and other personal items like socks. — LA, GMA News