A TOTAL of 330 residents from Barangay Cabanbanan in Oton, Iloilo, received free health and wellness services during a medical mission held on May 25, 2025.
The activity was made possible through the joint efforts of the 61st Infantry (Hunter) Battalion (61IB) of the Philippine Army, based in Miagao, Iloilo; the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) Squadron in Western Visayas; and volunteer healthcare professionals.
Auxiliary Commodore Lemuel Ledesma of the PCGA Squadron Western Visayas spearheaded the initiative, in coordination with Commodore Philipps Soria of the PCG Western Visayas and Captain Emmanuel Tactay, Civil Military Operations officer of the 61IB.
“This partnership reflects our continued commitment to helping communities in need,” Ledesma said.
The mission offered 47 haircuts, 46 medical consultations, 72 dental services, 75 optical services, and 44 blood screenings, including cholesterol and sugar level tests.
Volunteer doctors, including Doctors Luz Abordaje and Cristina F. Basco, provided services alongside support from Barangay Chairman Gerry Hinosa and Friends Iloilo’s Lorna Montaño. The event demonstrated how inter-agency collaboration can bridge health service gaps in underserved areas.
A day earlier, on May 24, 2025, troops from the 61IB joined the Mountain Trails Group and Soap Cycling Philippines for the “Climb for a Cause: School Supply Drive and Feeding Program” in Barangay Bantayanan, Tubungan, Iloilo.
The event was led by Julius Gallego and Lovelyn Padernal of the mountaineering and cycling organizations, in partnership with Barangay Chairwoman Candelaria Estember and supported by the Alpha Company’s Mobile Community Support Sustainment Program Team led by First Lieutenant Mark Dalayap.
The outreach included a feeding program, school supply donations, and free haircuts, aiming to promote hygiene, nutrition, and educational support. These efforts are part of the Philippine Army’s broader campaign to uplift geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (Gidas) in the region.
Lieutenant Colonel Arturo Balgos, commanding officer of the 61IB, praised the commitment of the participating groups.
"Nagpapasalamat kami sa Mountain Trails at sa Soap Cycling sa taos-pusong pagbibigay ng tulong sa mga kababayan ntin kabukiran, lalo na sa mga lugar na higit na nangangailangan ng iba’t ibang serbisyo," Balgos said.
(We thank Mountain Trails and Soap Cycling for their sincere assistance to our rural compatriots, especially in areas that are most in need of various services.)
Balgos expressed gratitude for the Tubungan people's support and cooperation in trusting and supporting soldiers in promoting peace and prosperity in their community.
Both events reflect the Philippine Army’s continuing role in building resilient, peaceful, and empowered communities in Western Visayas, in partnership with civilian volunteers, local leaders, and advocacy groups. (Leo Solinap/SunStar Philippines)