Pacific Partnership to conduct humanitarian mission in Capiz

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 22): Pacific Partnership to conduct humanitarian mission in Capiz

ROXAS CITY, Capiz - The United States Armed Forces will be extending humanitarian activities in Capiz and other provinces in the region.

According to US Civil Affairs Team head Captain John K. Karlsson, the humanitarian mission in the middle of July is in line with the Pacific Partnership 2015 which will be based in Capiz.

He said that on top of their various humanitarian services for Capiceños and people from the nearby provinces will be the conduct of medical mission, engineering works especially for schools and health facilities, disaster risk reduction and management activities as well as community outreach program.

Karlsson likewise stressed that the Pacific Partnership 2015 is a partnership effort of the governments of the United States and the Philippines.

He said that about a thousand of US military personnel will be arriving here in Capiz on board a USNS Mercy for the two-week humanitarian mission.

On the other hand, USNS Mercy Surgery Liaison Dr. Kevin Casey disclosed that they are targeting some 400 to 450 patients for their surgical procedures to include pediatric surgery, gall bladder surgery, and cataract surgery, among others, in their ship hospital during their medical mission activities here.

Part of such mission is also the “Operation Smile” which provides for free surgeries to repair cleft lip and cleft palate.

Casey said that the pre-screening process for the patients will be done at the Roxas Memorial Provincial Hospital.

He said that they are now in close contact with the RMPH, Provincial Health Office and local health units especially for the said medical mission.

Meanwhile, Capiz Provincial Administrator lawyer Jose Villanueva said that the upcoming Pacific Partnership 2015 is given full support by the provincial government because the same will greatly help Capiceños especially the poor.

Villanueva said that while Capiz was heavily hit by supertyphhon Yolanda in 2013, people here have easily recovered from the wrath because of the continuous help of the international humanitarian organizations and communities.

He said that the event here in July is another welcome opportunity for the residents not only of Capiz but also from neighboring areas in Panay Island to avail of free services particularly the surgical procedures free of charge from foreign medical specialist.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/991421888926/pacific-partnership-to-conduct-humanitarian-mission-in-capiz