Feature: Winning peace--the Bayanihan way

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 26): Feature: Winning peace--the Bayanihan way

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon--Force, guns and weapons could not solve insurgency. But peace and development could be achieved by joining hands with the community and other stakeholders, said Army’s Brig. Gen. Pedro P. Biasbas, Regiment Commander of 10th Field Artillery Battalion-Assault Armored Battalion (10FAB-AAR), in the course of its free Medical Civic Action Program (Medcap) in the province. Medcap is part of the Army’s Internal Peace and Security Plan “Bayanihan” (IPSP-Bayanihan), which focuses on a more humane and non-traditional approach in taming the decades-old insurgency in the country. “It is wholeheartedly offered to the Filipino people who are ultimate beneficiaries of the government’s peace efforts. It seeks to bring a combined effort among stakeholders to help alleviate poverty and address some root causes of insurgency,” Biasbas said.

The Medcap Services

The Army’s 10FAB-AAR has increased cooperation among stakeholders since it acknowledged the contribution of each government agency, civil society organization, and even local community, as evidenced by 276 former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) who surrendered in Bukidnon since July 2010. Army Lt. Dee Jay P. Balisi of 10FAB-AAR, who facilitated the Medcap events in the province, said an annual average of 5,000 civilians received outpatient treatment. These residents availed themselves of free medical services such as dental extraction, circumcision of boys aged 5 to 14, free haircut, minor surgery performed to pre-screened patients, medical check-up, reorientation of families on responsible parenthood, and feeding program for youngsters. A blood-letting activity is also being carried out through the Philippine Red Cross, where a minimum of 20 kind-hearted people donate 8,500 ml. blood in each Medcap outreach. Other patients also received medicines, while those who were in line waiting for their turn were served “chicken arrozcaldo.” Arrozcaldo is a ginger-flavored rice and chicken delicacy. The cereal food was dished up with iron-fortified rice (I-Rice) of National Food Authority (NFA). Veterinary services were likewise offered, witch more than 20 animals were vaccinated in each activity.

Cooperation and Teamwork

As the program grew, more sponsors offered services, including the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, Committee of German Doctors, Gama Foods Farm, Valencia Rubbertex Inc, NFA, Malaybalay Eagles Club, and all other private individuals and key government organizations. With the theme “Serbisyuhan ang katawhan ug panalipdan ang yutang natawhan (Serve the people, protect and defend homeland),” Medcap has provided increased outpatient care for civilians living in rural areas. It has a major goal of increasing mutual respect and cooperation between the military forces and the populace.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1501353641906