Thousands benefit from Arayat medical mission

ARAYAT -- Some 3,000 indigents, mostly women and children, benefitted from the town’s monthly medical and dental mission held at the Barangay San Nicolas covered court here last Friday.

According to Mayor Luis "Chito" Espino, the said barangay was the third area where a medical mission was held. The other two were San Mateo and La Paz Turu. He said the project is in support of the pro-poor programs of Gov. Lilia Pineda.

Vice Mayor Larry Trinidad, meanwhile, said they provided free medicines, check-up and dental services to their indigent constituents, most of whom are among the poorest of the poor.

"Our administration together with the Sangguniang Bayan and Liga ng mga Barangays are in one with the projects and programs of our beloved governor as these programs are centered in providing basic health services to our poor constituents," Espino said.

He said the local government unit started this series of medical and dental missions that will benefit the town’s 30 barangays to bring medical services closer to the people.

Trinidad also said that the Sangguniang Bayan, upon the request of the mayor, has approved and allocated some P4 million for the purchase of various medicines to be used in the medical and dental missions.

Barangay chairman Ricky Garcia of San Nicolas lauded Espino, Trinidad and the councilors for their efforts in providing much-needed medical assistance to their constituents.

"Malaking tulong sa aming mga kapitan ang ginagawang medical mission nina mayor, vice at mga konsehal. Hindi na kinakailangan na pumunta pa sa munisipyo o sa district hospital ang mga kababayan namin, dahil sa mismong barangay namin ay nabibigyan na sila ng libreng gamot at check-up. Maraming salamat po sa walang sawang serbisyo sa ating mga ka-barangay," Garcia said.

For his part Liga ng mga Barangay president Julio Espino said they are also fully supportive of the administrations of Espino and Gov. Pineda in terms of basic health care services to the people.

Last January 28, the LGU kicked off its series of medical missions in Barangay La Paz Turu, one of the remote villages located near the foot of Mt. Arayat. Some 1,000 indigent individuals benefitted from the said whole-day treatment.

Another was held on February 21 at Barangay San Mateo where 2,000 indigent individuals were treated.

The LGU will continue the program for the remaining 27 barangays in the coming months, Espino said.

Aside from this, thousands of grade school pupils also benefitted from the LGU feeding program, which is a month-long activity to fight malnutrition, which coincides with the regular medical and dental missions, were some 1,500 children were given free meals consisting of "lugaw", sandwiches and juices.

Also present during the medical and dental mission were Councilors Jeffry Luriz, Che Lumbang, Secretary Ador Pineda, incoming Councilor Pogi Mallari, MHOs, BHWs, police, members of the 703rd Brigade of the Philippine Army, other barangay officials and other guests. (Chris Navarro)