Army joins peace and development efforts in Samar

By DPAO, 8ID PA
May 13, 2012

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan, Samar  –  A Free Medical & Dental Mission was conducted in Jiabong, Samar on May 12, 2012 by the local government and cause oriented groups in Samar in coordination with Army troops.

Elements of the 801st Brigade, 8th Infantry Division (8ID), Philippine Army in collaboration with the Saint Camellus Hospital of Calbayog City and Local Government of Jiabong, Samar delivered a free medical consultation, dental extraction and circumcision as part of the peace and development efforts in Samar.

The activity is also aligned with the “whole of Nation” approach of AFP’s Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) Bayanihan. BGen Gerardo T Layug AFP, the Commanding General of the 8ID Stormtroopers division said “the ‘whole of nation’ approach seeks to bring about a concerted effort among stakeholders to address the root causes of insurgency. We acknowledge that a purely military solution is not the answer to insurgency, we have to join hands with the local governments and all stakeholders to intensify peace and development efforts in the area.”

Hon Jocelyn Gabieta de Jesus, Municipal Mayor of Jiabong expressed her gratitude to the group for their efforts in bringing the services to her constituents. The overwhelming success of the activity is a glaring example of genuine cooperation, collaborative efforts and commitment of all stakeholders in bringing the services to our people that exemplifies the true spirit of Bayanihan.  The Philippine Army together with the local government of Jiabong and other stakeholders, enjoins other cause-oriented organizations to advocate such convergence of effort to help uplift the lives of our fellow Filipino people especially those in the remote areas.