In bringing medical and dental services near to the people,  the 53rd Infantry Battalion initiated a Medical and Dental Outreach Program in five (5) barangays in Lapuyan town last February 2. The said activity was held at Barangay Tiguha, Lapuyan, Zamboanga del Sur.

Major Samuel Gayongorsa, Battalion Commander of the 53rd IB led his men with full support from  the 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division, 102 Brigade, the provincial government of Zamboanga del Sur and Local Government Unit of Lapuyan headed by Hon. Daylinda Sulong.

More than 500 individuals mostly of women and children availed the free medical and dental check-ups, x-rays, and operation tuli. In a short program held earlier before the start of the medical check-up, Mayor Sulong lauded the efforts of the army who not only focused on protecting the people against lawless elements but also look into the need of the community, like health.

Moreover, Sulong also thanked the support of the provincial government headed by Governor Auring Enerio-Cerilles, for lending the mobile clinic of the province and sent three doctors from the provincial hospital.

On her part, the lady mayor promised to pour more funds for the improvement of the 17 kilometer road from the Poblacion to barangay Tiguha.  She said she would request the  Sanggunian Bayan members to sacrifice their allotted budget for travel for this year for this purpose.

Major Gayongorsa, on the other hand, appreciated the cooperation of the people who benefitted in the said medical mission.  He recognized the support of the LGU of Lapuyan as well as the provincial government and their other partners in realizing the Medical outreach.

He explained in conducting this project, the people might realize the sincerity of the army in caring for the people they are protecting.  He added that peace can be achieved through helping and understanding each other.  He stressed that sometimes people in far flung communities can be persuaded with communist ideology because they are far from civilization where no roads connect their place.

The battalion commander cautioned the people that in instances where people in the guise of giving them a better future, they should first verify this with the nearest authorities be in the municipal or nearest military check-points or at their camp at Guipos.  He said he welcome people who would be very alert to these kinds of people as there might be possibilities that NPA do this as fronts.

Gayongorsa declared while the revolutionary activities of the New People’s Army weaken, it is high time that they (military) work to fully attain peace that everyone has been dreaming.
After his message, residents of Barangay Tiguha took their Pledge of Support to peace in front of the army and the LGU officials.

Aside from Maj. Gayongorsa and Mayor Sulong, other prominent people present during the said activity were Vice Mayor Joel Sulong, Councilors Fernandez, Ismael, Banghulot, Sigba and Danial including the Chief of Police of Lapuyan while Barangay Captains including their officials of Tiguha, Karpok, San Jose, and Dumara lead their people to the said MEDCAP.

While 53rd Officers Lts. Babica, Ola, Aguilar and Balingcamaya were also present.  Lt Ola is the team leader or Alpha company while Lt Babica is the CMO officer of the 53rd Infantry Batallion. Doctors Romeo Castillo, Ozree Natividad, Peter Hapitan and Abraham Lumantas facilitated the medical check-ups while dental teams from Tabak and 102 brigade performed the dental and tuli.

Major Manquiquis of Civil Military Affairs Unit of the army was also present.

Media practicioners Albert Sumalpong, James Tremedal and PIO Allan June Molde were also present during the said activity.

Last update : 13-02-2008 13:37

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