Operation Pacific Angel to benefit 6,000 disaster victims in Negros Oriental

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 5): Operation Pacific Angel to benefit 6,000 disaster victims in Negros Oriental

Around 6,000 disaster victims in Negros Oriental will benefit from the joint humanitarian mission of the US Pacific Air Force and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) dubbed "Operation Pacific Angel" that started Monday, March 4 until March 9.

OPA Mission Commander Ltc Alvin Alana in a press conference said the humanitarian mission of PAF and US military will provide medical health services to 500 patients a day for six days or from March 4 to 9 in two sites --- Macias Sports Complex in Dumaguete City and Osmeña Park in Tanjay City.

Likewise, the mission will include services on medical, dental, optometry, and engineering programs as well as various subject-matter expert exchanges.

Army Commander of Negros Oriental, Col Francisco Patrimonio for his part said, priority beneficiaries of this mission are victims of typhoon Sendong and the earthquake. On December 2011, typhoon Sendong slammed Negros Oriental followed by the devastation wrought by the 6.9 magnitude quake in February 2012, according to Patrimonio.

Patrimonio further said the humanitarian exercise aims to enhance the capability of the AFP in responding to disasters or natural calamities.

The United States has provided $100,000 to support disaster relief efforts for victims of Sendong following President Aquino declaration of a state of national calamity in the province.

Col. Alana on the other hand, said his group serves preventive health care, provides free eyeglasses and medicines, and do referrals only for local surgery if it’s necessary.

Now on its sixth year, the OPA is an exercise led by the Pacific Air Forces with AFP for humanitarian undertakings.

On top of the humanitarian mission, the OPA is also expected to rehabilitate three school buildings in the province, disclosed Patrimonio.

Patrimonio said a group of personnel of the US military and AFP has started its mission today to repair, renovate, and upgrade school facilities in Bio-os Elementary School in Amlan town; Pamplona Central Elementary School in Pamplona; and Tugawe Elementary School in Daiun where a water tower will be installed and repainting of classrooms will be done.

Patrimonio thanked Lt Col Alana and the Pacific Angel group for choosing Negros Oriental as beneficiaries of this humanitarian mission. “This is the first time that a foreign military humanitarian mission is held here in Negros Oriental,” he added.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1111362389352