'Balikatan' troopers conduct medical mission in Tacloban City

From the Philippine News Agency (May 13): 'Balikatan' troopers conduct medical mission in Tacloban City

Troopers from the Filipino and American forces participating in this year's "Balikatan 2014" exercises conducted a medical mission at Fishermen's Village Elementary School in Barangay 88, San Jose, Tacloban City.

Belated reports from 8th Infantry Division spokesperson Major Amado Gutierrez said this took place last Saturday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.

The medical mission was spearheaded by Major Gen. Emeraldo C. Magnaye and Brig. Gen. Nelson of the United States Marine Corps.

Magnaye is the Armed Forces of the Philippines's lead director for "Balikatan 2014."

The activity was also attended by Atty. Irene Chiu, the executive assistant of the City of Tacloban and Barangay 88 chairwoman Emelita S. Montalban.

Gutierrez said the medical mission benefited 544 persons broken down into 196 pedia and 348 adult patients.

Likewise, 50 dogs and a cat received anti-rabies vaccinations from the veterinary service.

Chiu appreciated the presence of U.S. and AFP troops in helping Tacloban City which is recovering from the effects of super typhoon "Yolanda" last November.

“You were here during the aftermath of the super typhoon and you are here again six months after. With that, I would like to acknowledge and thank the unsung heroes of the Philippine Army and the U.S. Marines and everyone who responded to Tacloban City during the early part of the tragedy and helped us regain our strength,” she said.

On the part of the U.S. forces, Nelson commented on why they have chosen Tacloban City for the medical mission.

“We felt that after the super typhoon 'Yolanda', Tacloban City is a great place to anchor 'Balikatan'. We want to show our friendship, and this activity is also a good way to get back to the great people, the Filipinos. I was here three days after the super typhoon and what I see now six months after the typhoon is vast improvement. People have come together in rebuilding communities. The resilience of the Filipino people is amazing and very heart warming,” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=643283