Feature Story: Army troopers bring health care to the people

From the Philippine Information Agency (May 3): Feature Story: Army troopers bring health care to the people

Once again, a field unit of the Philippine Army (PA) has proven its humanitarian role by extending health care services to the people while providing safety and security to the populace in the countryside.

Through the initiative of the army’s 81st Infantry (SPARTAN) Battalion (81IB), a Civic-Action (CIVAC) program was successfully held on April 26 at its host village, Barangay Bugbuga, Sta. Cruz, Ilocos Sur.

A total of 266 individuals benefitted from the free medical and dental, operation tuli and gupit. A blood-letting program was also successfully held during the CIVAC.

Lieutenant Colonel Eugenio Julio Osias IV, the commander of the army’s 81st Infantry Battalion, said that the CIVAC Program initiated by his unit was just one way of making the health care providers accessible to the individuals residing in Barangay Bugbuga, Sta Cruz town, and its neighboring villages.

“As we mark our eighth anniversary, we will continue the deeds that will make the people feel that they are loved by their Army,” said Osias.

The three-hour activity yielded 28 individuals who availed the dental services, 18 individuals voluntarily donated blood, 29 underwent circumcision, 141 individuals availed medical consultation, and 50 had their new haircut and soothing massage.

Brigadier General Milfredo M. Meligrito, the commander of the 702nd Infantry Brigade, said the 8eight-year existence of 81IB showed its holistic approach to the people it serves.

“The medical mission that the unit initiated had brought an impact especially to its host village, Barangay Bugbuga,” said Meligrito.

Major General Angelito M. De Leon, the commander of the 7th Infantry Division, assured that the army will continue to serve in any means to create a strong bond especially to the community where the unit situated. “The medical mission was made timely,” said De Leon.

The CIVAC program, one of the pre-anniversary activities of the 81IB, was realized with the support of the volunteers from the Ilocos Sur Provincial Health Office represented by the South Ilocos Sur District Hospital of Tagudin, Sta Cruz Municipal Health Office, Philippine Red Cross- Ilocos Sur, Barangay Bugbuga Council, JCI Candon Gold Leaf, KING and KWEEN Massage Therapy Center, and Philippine Army Finance Center Producers Integrated Cooperative (PAFCPIC).

The activity was sponsored by the Department of Health Region 1, Local Government Unit (LGU) of Sta Cruz, Ilocos Sur, PAFCPIC, PhilUSA Corporation, League of Civil Societies- Ilocos Sur, ACDI, and some OFW from Hong Kong.

The army’s 81IB is a field operation unit of the army’s 702nd Infantry Brigade under the command of the army’s 7th Infantry Division based in Fort Magsaysay, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/381493195853/feature-story-army-troopers-bring-health-care-to-the-people