Army, UNTV, KFI NGO and Catbalogan City LGU conduct joint medical mission

By DPAO, 8ID PA
January 25, 2015

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar – Some 856 villagers of Barangay San Andres, Catbalogan City benefited in the joint medical mission conducted by Gandara, Samar-based 43rd Infantry Battalion (43IB), UNTV, Kamanggagawa Foundation Incorporated (KFI), and Catbalogan City LGU on January 25, 2015.

Barangay San Andres is located in a mountainous area and is around four km from the City proper. Based on the report of Lt. Col. Seigfred Tubalado, the commanding officer of 43IB, of the 856 beneficiaries, 242 adults and 262 children were provided with free medical services and medicines, while 148 were given free dental services, mostly on tooth extraction.

206 villagers were also provided with free ophthalmology and optometry consultation where they were also given eye glasses. In addition, 81 villagers were also able to avail of free haircut by Army barbers.

A film showing was also conducted, to the delight of around 150 children who enjoyed watching children films. The medical mission was conducted with two civilian medical doctors and one military doctor; one civilian ophthalmologist; one military dentist and seven nurses, one of which is from the Army.

Some of the stakeholder leaders that attended supervised the activity were: Hon Domingo Jabien, Barangay Chairman of San Andres; Ms Nilda Aroza, CSWDO of Catbalogan City; Ms Annabele Daca, Head Teacher of San Andres Elementary School; Mr Roland Antonio of KFI; Ms Jen Gaquit of UNTV; and Lt. Col. Tubalado.

The joint medical mission was lauded by Maj. Gen. Jet B. Velarmino AFP, the Commander of 8th Infantry Division. Commenting in the incident, he said, “I am delighted by the unity of effort among the key peace stakeholders in providing basic services to our countrymen in the far-flung areas like barangay San Andres. This activity depicts beauty of the “Bayanihan” spirit if it is practice among us”.