903rd Brigade conducts medical mission with NGO from Spain

The 903^rd Brigade conducted a three-day medical mission on August 1-4, 2011 in collaboration with an international NGO from Spain, the Asociacion Valenciana de Asistencia Sanitaria y Social Voluntarios (AVASSV), whose volunteer doctors and teachers traveled all the way from Valencia, Spain. The activity was made possible through the active endorsement of Mr Vincent Nato, the Chief of Staff of Secretary Imelda Nicolas of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas and The Lewis College in Sorsogon City.

Mr Nato has been an active partner of the Brigade in its effort to “win the peace” in Sorsogon. He was instrumental in the allocation of scholarship slots for the four (4) “Bayanihan Iskolars” of the Brigade who are now enrolled at The Lewis College. Another two scholars are being sponsored by the ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya Foundation, Inc studying in Legazpi City.

Mr Santiago Tapia, the head of the mission, said that a group from AVASSV usually conducts two humanitarian missions in the country every year. They chose a location in Manila and the Bicol Region. The volunteers actually pay for their own plane ticket to the country. Mr Tapia was born in Naga City and was brought to Spain at a very young age. But he has not forgotten his roots in the Philippines.

Col Felix Castro Jr, 903^rd Brigade Commander, thanked Mr Tapia and his group for their selfless efforts in helping the less fortunate who could not afford the medicines they provided. He urged them to always include the province of Sorsogon, and if possible Masbate, as part of their program.

Sorsogon Gov Raul Lee tendered a dinner for the group on August 4 in gratitude for their services.

MGen Josue Gaverza Jr, the 9^th Infantry Division Commander, sent a medical team from Camp Elias Angeles Station Hospital in 9ID led by Cpt Marita Rhodora Penequito and 1Lt Ma Christine Samson to support the medical mission and brought additional medicines. Personnel from the Municipal Health Office of Castilla and Casiguran also participated.

A total of 812 persons benefited from the three-day inter-agency program as shown in the summary below:

	Brgys Visited in Sorsogon Province			Total
	Pandan, Castilla	Amomonting, Castilla	San Pascual, Casiguran
Medical Check-up	175	156	235	566
Basic Computer Operation	32	-	-	32
Basic Spanish Language Lesson	60	56	63	179
Haircut	-	-	35	35
Total	267	212	323	812
			Grand Total

Aside from the ample medicines, the AVASSV also donated two (2) laptop computers to Brgy Pandan, Castilla for use of the barangay council and the high school teachers.

The Brigade intends to maintain its link to AVASSV. The partnership it has started will go a long way in “winning the peace” in the province.

9IB conducts Medical and Dental mission in Masbate

               The 9^th Infantry (SANDIGAN) Battalion recently conducted a medical and dental mission in Barangays Paraiso and Tinaclipan, both of Milagros, Masbate and Bayombom, Masbate City from 15 – 17 July 2011. The activities included medical and dental treatment, bloodletting, free haircut, feeding program and giving of school supplies.

            Mayor Nanette Magbalon of Milagros supported the conduct of the activity in her municipality. She was, in fact, present in the two barangays. During the opening program, she reiterated her commitment to support the activities of 9IB.

            Sister Elviera Arcenas of Think Act Peace Foundation (TAPF) explained that this was the first time that she saw the soldiers, the police and the municipal employees join together for a common undertaking. She expressed her gratitude to the organizers of the activity, especially to LtCol Julian Pacatan of 9IB. She also cited P/Insp Mary Ann Arceo, Milagros Chief of Police, for her support.

            Brgy Capt Mindo Briol of Brgy Tinaclipan and Brgy Capt Esperanza Gross of Brgy Paraiso, together with her husband Manfred Gross, were all very busy supporting the activity.

            On the other hand, the medical and dental activity in Brgy Bayombom had the support of Mayor Socrates Tuazon and Brgy Capt Augustor Erebete. The early preparations made by the barangay officials, the soldiers and other government officials made the affair a success.

            The activities were also supported by the 9^th Infantry Division who sent personnel to assist 9IB. Cpt Marita Rhodora Penequito MC and 1Lt Kristine Cayco DS traveled all the way from Camarines Sur to participate in the medical and dental mission.

            The 3-day activity has benefitted a total of 1,948 less fortunate residents of Masbate as shown below:

DATE	PLACE	NR OF BENEFICIARIES
July 15	Brgy Paraiso, Milagros	778
July 16	Brgy Tinaclipan, Milagros	909
July 17	Brgy Bayombom, Masbati City	261