MEDCAP benefits 1,300 residents in Labangan town

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By Gideon C. Corgue

LABANGAN, Zamboanga del Sur, March 20 (PIA)— About 1,300 residents of barangay San Isidro, Labangan town benefitted from the free Medical and Dental Civic Action Program (MEDCAP) conducted on Thursday by the 1st Field Artillery Battalion, Army Artillery Regiment in partnership with the 1st Cavalry (Tagapanguna) Squadron, Mechanized Infantry Division, 53rd Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army, Rural Health Unit, DXPR Radio Station, and the Armed Forces and Police Mutual Benefit Assistance, Inc. (AFPMBAI).

Capt. Holly John Godinez, 1st FAB Alpha Battery commander said the MEDCAP is part of the Philippine Army’s commitment to serve the people and secure the land. “As the forefront of keeping our province secure and safe, we reach out and extend a helping hand to our fellowmen especially the poor,” he said.

Under the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) Bayanihan, the military commits to cooperative relationships with local stakeholders in all its activities.

“We want to show to the people that we are not only protecting them, but we also serve by bringing the government closer and making our services accessible to poor constituents,” he added.

Punong Barangay Gavino Lacsado said the constituents in his barangay were grateful that the MEDCAP was held in San Isidro.

“Ang mga katawhan nalipay kaayo sa gibuhat sa mga kasundaluhan ilabi na sa 1FAB nga nagpahigayon ug MEDCAP dinhi sa barangay San Isidro tungod kay sila ang nakapahimulos pag-usab sa libre nga medical ug dental services. (The residents were very grateful to the troops because the MEDCAP was conducted here in barangay San Isidro. They have availed of free medical and dental services),” Lacsado happily said.

It was the second time that the MEDCAP was held in San Isidro, the adopted barangay of 1FAB.

Local residents have availed of the following services: Hepatitis B, pneumonia and anti-rabies vaccination, bloodletting, circumcision, feeding, free medical consultation, free medicines and tooth extraction.

“The activity has greatly helped because they do not need to spend money to travel and go to the rural health center which is far from their barangay,” Lacsado said.

With the MEDCAP program, residents foster good relations with the Philippine Army. “Our friendship with the Philippine Army is imprinted in our hearts and will never be diminished,” he concluded. (ALT/GCC-PIA9/Zamboanga del Sur)