Mining firms conduct medical mission for IPs

By Claro A. Lanipa

Wednesday 27th of June 2012

BAYOG, Zamboanga del Sur, June 27 (PIA) -- Three mining firms provided free health services to 650 residents of this town during a medical mission last June 23, in coordination with the local government.

The Bayog 9 Meals Corporation, Alpha First Asia Mining Corporation and Alpha Prime Pacific Mining Corporation brought the mission to indigenous communities composed of the Subanen Tribe of Barangays Liba, Conacon, Bobuan, Datagan, Bantal, Canoayan and Matin-ao, as social commitment of the mining companies operating in the area.

The mission also offered consultations, dental services, free medicines and haircut.

The Barangay Affairs Office of the local government unit (LGU) also offered processing of municipal IDs.

The medical staff was composed of Dr. Bernie Adomon, Dr. Patrick Toledo - Municipal Health Officer of the Municipality of Dumalinao, Dr. Robert Barcela – Zamboanga del Sur Dental Society, Dr. Willa Barcela – Ozamis City Health Center, Dr. Elvie Alvaira, Dr. Cora Punzalan – President, ZdS Dental Society together with the staff of the Rural Health Unit of LGU-Bayog.

A total of 540 residents who took advantage of the free consultation and medicines while 85 availed of the dental services.

“Dako kaayo among pasalamat nga ang mga lumulopyo sa among barangay naka avail sa mga serbisyo nga dugay na nga gisaad niining mga mining companies.” (We express our thanks and appreciation that the residents of our barangay were able to avail the services which was promised by the mining companies since then),” said Matin-ao barangay chair Virginia Entag.

Romeo Fernando, chief operations officer of Bayog 9 assured the people, “This is not the end, but this is just the beginning of our social commitment in the area.” (JPA/BAG/PIO-Bayog/CAL/PIA9)