MEMBERS of the 1901st Philippine Army Ready Reserve Infantry Brigade recently conducted a medical and dental mission in Catarman Elementary School in Liloan, northern Cebu.
Former Cebu City councilor Erik Espina, who holds the rank of brigadier general in the reserve corps, led the activity in partnership with Liloan Mayor Christina Garcia-Frasco and her husband Rep. Duke Frasco (Cebu, fifth district).
The outreach program carried the theme, “Bukas nga Pangalagad sa Gobiyerno Alang sa Kalambuan sa Komunidad (A Sincere Service of the Government for the Community’s Progress).” It had 2,245 beneficiaries.
The group spent P528,675 for the different services it offered to the Catarman villagers, including free medical consultations and medicines, tooth extraction, minor surgery, spiritual counselling, legal advice and notarial services, alternative livelihood training, therapy and haircut.
Volunteers treated the children to storytelling, parlor games and food.
Among the volunteers who gave logistical support included the personnel from the Philippine Army 7th Regional Community Defense Group led by Maj. Frederick Marquez, 703rd Community Defense Company led by Maj. Lucelo Betinol, 5th Technical and Administrative Services Brigade led by Lt. Col. Angelo Arias and the legal team led by Lt. Col. Ady Umbac.
The other volunteers were the Philippine Navy reservists. Lt. Col. Juel Jugalbot was the ground commander for the program.
The Department of Health 7 deployed its dental health buses.
Also present in the activity were Qualfon quality coordinator Flory May Ligan, Liloan Municipal Health Office personnel led by Dr. Jennifer Horolan, municipal councilors, barangay officials, Sangguniang Kabataan Chairman Ezra Ruiz, Central Command and Liloan Police Station personnel. (S)