1,000 residents benefit medical, dental program

CAMP OSITO BAHIAN, Malaybalay City -- At least 1,000 people benefited from the free Medical and Dental Civic Action Program (Medcap) held at Impalambong here.

With the theme “Serbisyuhan ang katawhan ug panalipdan ang yutang natawhan (Serve the people, protect and defend homeland),” Medcap was organized by Alfa Battery, 10th Field Artillery Battalion, Assault Armored Battalion (10FAB, AAR) of the Philippine Army.

Army First Lieutenant Dee Jay P. Balisi, who facilitated the Medcap event, said a total of 1,078 residents were served in the activity.

“Of this number, 158 availed of the dental extraction, 106 boys aged five to 12 were circumcised, 86 availed of the free haircut, 208 were benefited of the medical check-up and 520 village folks availed of the feeding program” Balisi said.

Other patients also received medicines while those who were waiting in line were served “arrozcaldo” (ginger flavored rice-chicken soup delicacy) in coordination with the National Food Authority (NFA).

A series of films entitled “Knowing the Enemy” were also shown and an artillery piece and armor asset were also displayed at the venue.

In his message during the opening program, Lieutenant Colonel Jose Valentin Y. Panadero, 10FAB, AAR Battalion Commander, said the activity was aimed at delivering basic services to uplift the lives in the neighborhood that could help attain peace and development in the community.

“This Medcap is wholeheartedly offered to the Filipino people who are ultimate beneficiaries of internal peace and security efforts,” Panadero said.

The event, which is in line with the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) “Bayanihan” and Army Transformation Roadmap, was made possible through the help of Malaybalay City Mayor Ignacio W. Zubiri, NFA, Gama Foods 2 Poultry Farm, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, City Health Office, Artillery Foundation of the Philippines Incorporated-Northeastern Mindanao Alfa, 403rd Infantry (Peacemaker) Brigade, 4th Division Training Unit, 43rd Civic Military Operations Company, private individuals and key government organizations. (PR)