8ID spearheads
distribution of relief goods and free medical/dental consultation in
Eastern Samar
By DPAO, 8ID PA
April 22, 2014
CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan
City, Samar – The 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army conducted
relief goods and Hygiene kits distribution coupled with free medical
and dental consultation and services in the three towns of Eastern
Samar last April 22, 2014.
MajGen Jet B Velarmino AFP,
the Commander of 8ID spearheaded the activity in distributing food
packs and Hygiene kits courtesy of UNILEVER Philippines to around 878
super typhoon Yolanda victims a tBrgy. Roxas, Giporlos; Brgy Sta Rosa,
Balangiga and Brgy 10, Poblacion, Lawaan all of Eastern Samar.
Each pack contains three
kilos of rice, canned goods, and hygiene kits from UNILEVER
Philippines. The AFP Commissary and Exchange Service based at
Headquarters 8ID also joined the activity and supplemented assorted
clothes, noodles, biscuits, chocolate drinks and hygiene kits.
Adding to the excitement of
the activity was the giving away of chocolates to children living in
the three barangays. When one child was asked to say something about
the chocolate, she said: “Syahan ko nga makakaon hin sugad hine karasa
nga tsokolet!” (It is my first time to have a taste of this type of
tasty chocolate!) The chocolates were donated by students of an
academic institution for children based in the USA.
In addition to the gift
giving, 8ID medical team led by Lt. Col. Reynaldo R. Cruz, Commanding
Officer of Camp Lukban Station Hospital also rendered medical
consultation and dispensed medicines, while Dental team led by LtCol.
Luther A. Punzalan, Commanding Officer of 1368th Philippine Army
Dental Detachment based at Headquarters 8ID rendered tooth extraction
services, for a total of 301 medical and 147 dental beneficiaries in
three Municipalities of Eastern Samar.
The chief executives of the
three barangays were unanimous in expressing their appreciation to the
effort of 8ID.
On the part of 8ID, Maj Gen
Jet B Velarmino said: “Your Army in Eastern Visayas is here not only
to keep the people free from fear, coercion and intimidation from NPA
rebels, but also to attend to the welfare of the people particularly
those affected by ST Yolanda.”
Note: The
chocolates distributed during the activity cited in the last sentence
of the fourth paragraph were donated by students of Montessori
International School located in 1230 N. Gilbert Road, Mesa, Arizona,
USA thru the effort of Ms. Therese Kestner, School Director.