Australia-based NGO partners with military for medical mission in Ormoc City

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 16): Australia-based NGO partners with military for medical mission in Ormoc City

The Philippine Army’s 19th Infantry (Commando) Battalion led by 1LT Rod Vincent F. Babera has partnered with a Bisayan Community Club based in Victoria, Australia, in the conduct of a medical mission to poor families of Ormoc City on April 14.

The medical mission was conducted at the Claretian Mission Centre at Barangay Milagro, Ormoc City by army soldiers and the members of Share-Me-A-Dream, a Bisayan Community Club in Victoria, Australia.

The whole day medical mission which started at 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. of Sunday was participated by doctors and dentists from Ormoc City who rendered free services such as operation tuli (circumcision) and dental and medical consultations. Other services provided were transportation and free haircut.

1Lt. Babera said there were at least 350 beneficiaries who came from several barangays, namely Liberty, Cabingtan, Gaas, and Lake Danao, formerly guerilla bases influenced by the communist terrorists.

Meanwhile, Commanding Officer of 19IB, Lt Col Joel Alejandro S. Nacnac said he immediately accepted upon receipt of the invitation for this medical mission because he believes in serving his country folks in whatever form it may be.

He expressed gratitude to the “kind-hearted Filipinos from other countries who extended a helping hand.”

He is hopeful that this activity will send the message on how successful the cooperation between the government and NGOs and the people can be in facilitating delivery of basic services and in maintaining the peace and order in the Province of Leyte.

Ms Maria Theresa Symes, the Club President, on one hand said the Share-Me-A-Dream is responding to the growing need for medical assistance of the less fortunate people from poorer communities who could not afford appropriate healthcare due to geographical and economic challenges.

The Share-Me-A-Dream, a Bisayan community club based in Victoria, Australia was founded on June 23, 2011 and since then has been actively helping the less fortunate.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1141366026889