ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE (Mindanao Examiner / July 27, 2013) – Thousands of villagers benefitted from a joint medical mission and community outreach programs in Salug town in the southern Philippine province of Zamboanga del Norte, officials said Saturday.
The programs, which began July 8 last for three weeks and officials said a total of 4,715 patients availed of various medical services; 342 patients in dental services; 149 livestock and other veterinary services; 234 people availed haircut services and 461 others were provided assorted vegetables seeds, including 115 people who availed of civil registrations.
The activities, launched in almost all villages in the town, were headed by Mayor Jeffrey Lim and Lt. Col. Leonel Nicolas, commander of the 10th Infantry Battalion under the 1st Infantry Division.
“The activity aimed to bring basic social services to the depressed and impoverished people in the hinterland and far flung areas which served as sanctuaries of both New People’s Army and lawless elements,” the army said in a statement sent to the Mindanao Examiner.
It said the successful endeavor was participated by 101st Infantry Brigade, the 1st Medical Forward Company and 1st Dental Detachment, the 20th Special Forces Company, 6th Special Forces Battalion, the Philippine Air Force Reserve, the local municipal police force and the town’s agencies.
“In the performance of its non-traditional roles, the army, particularly the 10th Infantry Battalion, ceaselessly pushed through its civic actions and developmental projects in tandem with other stakeholders as a means of attaining peace in support to the AFP Internal Peace and Security Plan Bayanihan.”
“The recently concluded activity helps the local government unit and other stakeholders in addressing the socio-economic exploitable issues which are being capitalized by the NPA in motivating, organizing and mobilizing the people to revolt against the duly constituted government. By helping the local governments to address these issues, the AFP will triumph in winning the peace without defeating the enemy through armed combat,” it said. (Mindanao Examiner)
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