1CAV’s free medical, dental services benefit over 400 residents of Labangan town

By Gideon C. Corgue

LABANGAN, ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR – Over 400 residents of Barangay San Isidro here have benefited from the free Medical and Dental Civic Action Program (MEDCAP) conducted on Friday, April 10, by the 1^st Field Artillery Battalion (1^st FAB), Army Artillery Regiment in partnership with the 1^st Cavalry (Tagapungana) Squadron (1CAV) of the Philippine Army’s Mechanized Infantry Division.

In his message, Lt. Col. Sonny Sales, commanding officer of the 1^st FAB, said the objective of MEDCAP was to bring immediate medical health services to the people especially those living in the remote areas where access to government services is difficult like Barangay San Isidro, which is also “one of our adopted barangays.”

Meanwhile, 1CAV commanding officer Lt. Col. Charlemagne Batayola Jr., said the project was conceptualized by the army leadership in partnership with the local government unit because out of the government’s genuine concern to help alleviate the living condition of the people in far-flung areas.

“Kini ang among pangandoy ug sa gamay nga pamaagi makahatag kaninyo sa gamay nga kalipay ug paglaum dinhi sa San Isidro,” Batayola explained.  

(This is our dream that in our own little way we can bring joy and hope here in San Isidro.)

For his part, Punong Barangay Gavino Lacsado expressed his sincere gratitude to the Philippine Army that for second time, it held such an activity in his barangay.

Danilo Tingtingan was also thankful to the MEDCAP, as his sons, Johny, 11, and Danilo, 7, had availed themselves of free circumcision.

“Nagpasalamat ko sa Philippine Army tungod kay dili nako mogasto ug kwarta ug kahago  magpatuli sa akong duha ka anak nga lalaki sa health center nga anaa sa lungsod. Layo kining among gipuy-an sa lungsod. Mopasahe pa ko P30 matag-usa aron mahatud sila sa health center,” Tingtingan explained.

(I am thankful to the Philippine Army because I will no longer spend money and time to have my two sons circumcised at the municipal health center located at the town proper. Our house is far from the health center and I have to spend P30 each for fare just to bring them there.)

A total of 412 residents have availed of the said project broken down as follows: 115 for free medical checkup, 90 for dental services/tooth extraction, 85 young boys for circumcision, 100 were given vaccination, and 182 were provided of free medicines.

The medical and dental teams from 1^st Infantry (Tabak) division and the Rural Health Unit have jointly conducted the said activity.