DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental (PIA) -- A total of 2,000 residents in areas under ELCAC or End Local Communist Armed Conflict received free health services during the medical, surgical, and dental mission led by the Philippine Army in Guihulngan City.

The medical mission was done in partnership with Mindanao Humanitarian Volunteer for Peace (MHVP). 

The activity addressed one of the issues in ELCAC areas that is being exploited by the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNT), which is the lack of a health program, said Civil-Military Operations officer Capt. Roselyn Balean of the 62nd Infantry (Unifier) Battalion. 

Balean said the medical mission provided free services to help the community, particularly in Barangay Trinidad, one of the remote areas in Guihulngan City. 

The residents benefited from various free medical services, such as surgery for cleft lip, cataract surgery, and minor surgeries.

The beneficiaries also underwent hearing tests with ear cleaning services, dental check-up, triage services, vision check-up with free eyeglasses and reading glasses, and were given free medication. 

“Nagpasalamat mi ug dako niining mga tabang medikal na libre karon nga ania diri sa amoang barangay na nahiabot ning programa alang kanamo ilabi sab sa mga kauban nakong tigulang,” said Eniceto Jakosalem, a farmer from Sitio Panagtugas, Barangay Trinidad who joined the medical mission. 

(We are grateful for this free medical assistance that is brought here in our barangay, especially for us who are elderly.)

Another beneficiary, Anselmo (not his real name), shared how he was able to seek relief from the discomfort caused by cataract due to the free eye surgery during the medical mission. 

“Usahay akong tambalan sa mga dahon-dahon diri kay kon moadtu ko hospital peligro sab nya dili sab mi kabayad, busa nagpasalamat kayo mi sa nag opera sa among mata ilabi na sa among opisyales sa lungsod ug kasundalohan,” said Anselmo.

(I would apply some herbs on my eyes since I could not afford to go to the hospital to seek treatment. I’m thankful to the team who operated on my eye and to the city officials and the Philippine Army for bringing the medical mission here.) 

Army personnel and medical volunteers also conducted storytelling sessions for kindergarten pupils and children, while staff from the 62nd Infantry Brigade and the Philippine National Police gave free haircuts. 

MHVP president Dr. Maria Theresa Heyrosa said their organization is always willing to support the government in conducting activities that would help communities. 

"The government, through the LGUs and NGOs like us, is always ready to support. We will work hand-in-hand and give our full support so that we can improve the condition of your community,” said Heyrosa. 

The Armed Forces of the Philippines have earlier partnered with the MHVP to roll out medical services in remote and conflict-affected communities in the country. 

Guihulngan City is a 5th class component city around 116 kilometers away from the capital, Dumaguete City.

The city is one of the ELCAC priority areas in Negros Oriental identified to be affected by insurgency. (JCT/PIA7 Negros Oriental)