OVER 1,000 residents benefitted from the all-in-one outreach mission initiated by the Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) during the observance of Andres Bonifacio Day on Wednesday, November 30, 2022, in Tausan village in the remote island town of Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan province.
Lieutenant Senior Grade Chester Ross Cabaltera, NFWM information officer, said Saturday that the endeavor was carried out through the unfaltering support and commitment of the different stakeholders who offered basic services to the residents of Tausan village.
Cabaltera said these very supportive partners are composed of various organizations and groups namely: Mindanao Humanitarian Volunteers for Peace, Rotary Club Zamboanga City West, Philippine Dental Association Zamboanga Chapter, Integrated Resource Development for Tri-People, Crystal Clear Vision, JCI Zamboanga La Bella, Philippine Pharmacist Association Incorporated, One World Foundation, DDCPH, MJB Cares Foundation, McDonald House Foundation, Team Handog Aguila, Claret School Zamboanga, Department of Health-9, Pediatrica, AFPSLAI Zamboanga Branch and Pepsi Cola Products Philippines Incorporated Zamboanga.
He said the more than 1,000 residents of Tausan village benefited from the free basic services such as medical consultation, dental extraction, circumcision, minor surgery, eye checkup, and haircut services.
The free basic service was coupled with the conduct of peace symposium and distribution of food packs, clothes, school supplies, books and slippers.
One of the highlights of the mission is the visit of the Philippine Navy's Naval Reserve Public Affairs Unit (NRPAU) Ambassadors composed of Miss Philippines World Beauty Queen 2016, IT1 Kristine Joy Cruz (Reserve) and sister, Brand Ambassador, PO3 Ninna Ricci Cruz (Reserve), Artist On a Mission Advocate, CMO2 Kristine Lim (Reserve); and GMA Kapuso Celebrity, PO2 JC Tiuseco (Reserve).
The children of Tausan village participated in the Art for Peace conducted by volunteers from MHVP together with Lim.
The all-in-one event was graced by Basilan Governor Hadjiman Hataman-Saliman, Captain Dwight Steven Dulnoan, NFWM acting commander, together with the host, Muhtamad Municipal Mayor Arsina Kahing-Nanoh.
“When you hear Basilan, fear is the first thought of anyone who haven't yet visited Mindanao. But this time, everyone can see how beautiful and peaceful the place is with all the loving people here in Pilas Island,” Dulnoan said.
“Rest assured that this will not be the last time for our friends from Manila to visit Basilan. We will be coming back here not just to bring CMO (civil-military operations) but to promote the beautiful white beaches and tourism in this place,” Dulnoan added. (SunStar Zamboanga)