By Michael Vincent D. Cajulao
ZAMBOANGA
CITY, Oct. 11 (PIA) – Hundreds of residents of Tumalutap Island,
east of the city, received medical attention and school supplies last Sunday
(Oct. 7) during a civic-action outreach program initiated by Task Force
Zamboanga (TFZ), in collaboration with Department of Health IX, the City Local
Government, national line agencies, non-government organizations (NGOs), and
the Joint Special Operation Task Force – Philippines (JSOTF-P).
Task Force Zamboanga Chief Col.
Buenaventura Pascual, in an activity report released to PIA, said the main
objective of the activity is to uphold and promote humanitarian services in
areas and residents classified as economically unstable in terms of income
generation and capability to pay medical services.
A total of two hundred forty six
(246) individuals benefitted from the medical checkup and consultation, 70 of
whom also availed of the free tooth extraction.
The group also distributed 355 ball
pens and pencils and 355 pieces of notebooks for the school children, 150 pairs
of new slippers, 130 pieces of toys for the kids, and two (2) bundles of
assorted used clothing. Col. Pascual also turned over two (2) boxes of
medicines to Barangay Chairperson Carsoma A. Abunawas for distribution to the
residents.
The activity is part of the Armed
Forces of the Philippines’ Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) which seeks
to forge partnership with the residents in maintaining peace and security and
help spur development in their area.
Task Force Zamboanga Chief Col.
Buenaventura Pascual, in a previous interview with PIA, said part of IPSP’s
strategies are community outreach missions, helping look for livelihood
opportunities for those in depressed and conflict areas, and also implement a
paradigm shift on the thinking of soldiers.
“We are trying to inculcate in the
minds of our soldiers that gone are the days when we are only visible during
war. We are here also as partners of the communities by delivering basic
services and help them look for livelihood opportunities to help them alleviate
their living condition. We want our soldiers to also be sensitive to the needs
of the communities”, Col. Pascual said.
IPSP has four important aspects;
governance, delivery of basic services, economic reconstruction and sustainable
development, and security sector reform to ensure the protection of the state
and the people. (JPA/MVC/PIA9-ZBST)