CAMP CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal — More than 1,000 indigent patients, especially from the Dumagat tribesmen and outskirt villagers in the slopes of the Sierra Madre, benefitted from free medical, dental, and surgical services in this highland town.
The Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry “Jungle Fighter” Division (2ID), in partnership with the medical team from the Philippine Medical Association of Southern California, United States and the Kapatiran sa Tanay Highland (KsTH) organizers, spearheaded the three-day simultaneous medical services held at the Army Station Hospital in this camp and at the Sierra Madre Mountain Resort-Hotel here.
2ID Commander, Major Gen. Rhoderick Parayno and KsTH president, retired Brig. Gen. Roberto Santiago, expressed gratitude to various sponsors of the medical mission, which carried the theme, “Sama-sama para sa Kalusugan” (Solidarity towards health), for residents of remote areas who hardly have access to medical and health services.
“We’ve been doing this as part of our division program, but doing this with our American friends with Filipino blood and other volunteers is really something different. I would like to thank everybody for this very successful three days of activity,” Parayno said in an interview Thursday.
Capt. Patrick Jay Retumban, chief of the 2ID public affairs office, told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) about the overwhelming support of the more-than-100-member mission’s medical, dental and health professionals and volunteers who conducted the simultaneous health services from January 21 to 23.
He said the health partners include the Philippine Band of Mercy (PBM), AFP Medical Center, Manila Central University, 2nd Army Station Hospital and Dental Dispensary, and other supporting organizations, such as St. Jude Parish volunteers, Jollibee Tanay Hi-way, Ten Cents to Heaven, and other civic organizations and individuals.
Retumban further said surgical services benefited some 16 pre-screened harelip and cleft palate patients, while 51 others who passed the eye checkup and screening process underwent cataract removal at the Army Station Hospital.
Some 618 patients also benefited from free medical and dental consultations held at the Sierra Madre Resort Hotel.
Services also included tooth extraction, filling and cleaning for some 396 patients, while scores of Barangay Sampaloc residents here also received free medicines.
