City gov't, military conduct medical mission in remote community in Samar

photo from: Facebook page LGU Calbayog Bulletin

[Aug. 25] CALBAYOG CITY, Samar –- The city government in partnership with the Philippine Army has joined efforts to provide access to health services to far-flung communities.

In line with this, hundre
ds of underprivileged patients in Macatingog village, one of the most remote community along the city’s Oquendo Left River benefited from a medical and dental mission conducted by the two offices over the weekend.

Village chairman Melchor Loberiano thanked the government for bringing health services to their village.

“This really brings us relief as we have no regular access here to health facilities and medical services due to distance and poverty," Loberiano said

Meanwhile, Mayor Ronaldo Aquino assured village officials that the city government will continue working with them in the realization of the city’s future development initiatives for the village.

With this, the official assured infrastructure development projects for the community, which include the rehabilitation of Bayo-Dawo-Macatingog Road section worth PHP11,000,000.

For his part, Lt. Col. Carmelito Pangatungan said the activity is part of bringing their mission to disadvantaged communities within their area of responsibility through team activities. The initiative is aimed at protecting residents of remote areas from the deceptive activities of lawless elements.

Macatingog was once categorized by the military as a New People’s Army (NPA)-controlled area. This means there has been the presence of a significant numbers of rebels residing in the village.

Army reports said the NPA even had the capacity to even supersede the village council by force and protests the presence of soldiers in the community.

However, the increased visibility of military personnel in the village made the villagers aware of the real intention of the bandits which is to ruin the people's strong desire for peace and development. (PNA)

FFC/BNB/SQM/AIMEE C. QUERUBIN