THE Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry (Hunter) Battalion (61IB) based in Miagao, Iloilo, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Jekyll Julian Dulawan, participated in two separate medical and humanitarian missions in Iloilo on August 7 and August 10, 2025, aimed at delivering essential health and social services to underserved communities.
On August 10, 2025, the 61IB joined a Joint Medical Mission in Barangay Dagami, Maasin, Iloilo, led by Most Worshipful Junior Grand Master Ricardo P. Galvez Sr. of Masonic Lodge No. 229 and Panay Gugma Chapter No. 36 – Order of the Eastern Star, under Worshipful Master Eduardo D. Fabricante.
The event brought together civic and service groups including the Job’s Daughters of the Philippines Bethel No. 4; Graciano Lopez Jaena Chapter Order of DeMolay No. 8; Panay Priory No. 6; Order of Knighthood; and Acacia DeMolay Alumni Chapter No. 35. Personnel from the 12th Infantry (Lick 'Em) Battalion based in Calinog, Iloilo, headed by Lieutenant Colonel Vicel Jan Garsuta, and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) also participated.
Residents were provided with free medical consultations, basic health services, legal advice, and other support programs designed to improve their quality of life.
The Army emphasized the community's commitment to not only maintaining peace and security but also fostering healthier, stronger, and more resilient communities through collaborative efforts.
Three days earlier, on August 7, 2025, the 61IB, represented by Second Lieutenant Shy Marie Fajilagutan, officer-in-charge of the Civil-Military Operations (CMO) Section, participated in a Medical and Dental Mission in Barangay Indaluyon, Igbaras, Iloilo.
The activity was led by Barangay Captain Carlos Eclar and organized in cooperation with the Igbaras Municipal Police Station (MPS), headed by Police Captain Francis Donne Lomahan; the 1st Iloilo Police Mobile Force Company (IPMFC), led by Police Captain Danilo Noca; the Rural Health Unit (RHU) of Igbaras through Nurse Aracile Eclavia; Doctor to the Barrio Najila Aguerre; Dr. Estela Marie Jalandoni; medical interns from West Visayas State University (WVSU); barangay health workers; barangay tanods; and civilian volunteers.
The outreach provided medical consultations, dental services, circumcision, and free haircuts to dozens of residents.
The Army emphasized the importance of protecting and helping communities in need, reaffirming their responsibility to be partners in progress.
Both missions ended with expressions of gratitude from local officials and residents, underscoring the success of the initiatives and the positive impact of military-civilian cooperation in community development. The 61IB emphasized its commitment to continue similar activities in support of the government’s peace and development agenda.
The 61IB emphasizes the importance of communities bringing their concerns to the government for lasting peace and development through consistent involvement in these activities.
The Philippine Army in Western Visayas has been active in participating in humanitarian programs, viewing them as vital to fostering trust, unity, and resilience among local communities.
The 61IB, based in Miagao, Iloilo, continues to strengthen partnerships with government agencies, local government units, civic groups, and other stakeholders to promote holistic development in the region. (Leo Solinap/SunStar Philippines)