Army, PNP serves LCP’s children for free health services

by Jennifer Catan-Tilos

          

DUMAGUETE CITY, Sept 27 (PIA)   The 302 Infantry Brigade with the 79^th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army and Philippine National Police (PNP) Regional Health Services served a joint medical and dental mission Sunday to some 479 children-beneficiaries of the Little Children of the Philippines (LCP) in Claytown Daro, Dumaguete City.

With the collaboration of Oriental Negros Children’s Advocacy Network (ONCAN), the free health services program attended 230 clients availed for medical consultation, 130 received dental services, 59 free haircut, 44  for massage, seven children were circumcised, and nine for acupuncture, according to Information Officer, Maj. Conrado Evangelista of the army.

Maj. Evangelista said Gen. Emmanuel Bautista, Commander of the Army’s 3^rd Infantry Division who was the guest of honor and speaker of the Silliman ROTC Testimonial Parade accompanied by the 302^nd Brigade Commander Col Francisco M Patrimonio witnessed and participated in the medical and dental civic action program. 

In their visits, both commanders had the opportunity to talk with the leaders of the participating organizations; AKBAYAN, People Power Volunteer Reform (PPVR) and Negros Farmers Confederation on land issues and unresolved killings in the province, said Evangelista.

Both the militant groups and the military officials agreed to cooperate to address the peace and security concerns in the province through a “Bayanihan” spirit.

Likewise, the groups will be spearheading a candle light activity in Dumaguete City with other stakeholders, including the Army and PNP, for the resumption of peace talks between the GRP and the CPP/NPA/NDF.

Indeed, the activity at the LCP showed the involvement of different stakeholders consistent with the spirit of “Bayanihan” to address the health concerns of the Negrenses, said army official.

“It was a manifestation of commitment and dedication by peace loving citizens in order to serve the Filipino people,” said Maj. Evangelista.

The activity is also participated in  by the following organizations, the LCP Administration, Project Luke Foundation, International Care Ministry, Marina Clinic of Silliman University based in Dauin, Negros Oriental, Dumaguete City Health Office, Negros Oriental High School Batch 94, 302 Brigade Retainer Physician and .personnel from 1^st Negros Oriental Ready Reserve Battalion.  (PIA NegOr/JCT)