Albay town benefits from Navy, NGO, and partners’ “Bayanihan”

By Marlon A. Loterte

Tuesday 5th of June 2012

LEGAZPI CITY, June 5 (PIA) -- True to its commitment to serve the locales, the Naval Forces Southern Luzon (NAVFORSOL) has spearheaded anew last June 1 a medical and dental mission cum social services for the residents of Barangay Cabasan in Cagraray Island of Bacacy town

NAVFORSOL has partnered with Socio-Economic Development Program (SEDP) of Social Action Center of Diocese of Legazpi City and Bacacay municipal government for the humanitarian mission.

It can be recalled that NAVFORSOL has celebrated last year its foundation anniversary highlighted by mangrove planting activity in the said barangay when punong barangay Roger Barrameda requested if the group can go back to deliver medical and dental services to its residents.

Also with the support of Dios Mabalos Foundation, Congregation of Servants of Jesus of Charity, Olei Mayon Team, and the Philippine Coastguard, the outreach program also provided feeding services, free eye glasses and therapeutic massage to more than 500 beneficiaries.

Newly assigned dental surgeon, Captain Philip Jayson Sadueste (DS), leads NAVFORSOL medical anD dental team from Naval Station Julhasan Arasain here.

“I am from Albay but this is the very first time that I ever visited Cagraray Island. We forgot that we are having an outreach project, I thought we were on an island adventure with the sumptuous food prepared and warmth welcome given by the community,” said Cpt. Sadueste.

Mary Lovely C Cate, from SEDP, said “I feel happy serving people in different parts of the country and working with other organizations. It may be tiring but I had a lot of fun serving people to the fullest.”

“Yes, it’s tiring, but a single smile and a glimpse of happiness from the populace could ease million sweats,” Cate added.

Among services provided are free medical check- up for 167 patients, 105 for dental services, 138 for eyes and ears check-up, and 38 beneficiaries for therapeutic massage. Free haircut was also given by Civil Affairs unit of Team Navy to students in preparation for the opening of classes.

“Team NAVFORSOL’s efforts in bringing health services in the remote areas particularly in the countryside has extended their helping hands to the less fortunate communities on its area of responsibility highlighting that the fleet-marine team is not just a warrior fighter for armed struggles but indeed an ambassador for peace and development among its constituents.

The strong collaboration between stakeholders and the Team NAVFORSOL answers the true essence of “Bayanihan,” which calls for the participation of all society in order to address the nation’s pursuits for Peace and development.

The missions were just one of the numerous socio-economic and environmental development programs of NAVFORSOL being conducted jointly with other stakeholders in line with the Armed Forces of the Philippines Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) “Bayanihan.”

“Activities like this have reminded the people to appreciate the AFP IPSP ‘bayanihan’ or its collaboration to partner agencies in order to attain peace and progress in their community. Whenever the needs of the people are effectively and efficiently addressed, internal armed threats are also addressed” said Commodore Abraham F. Celzo AFP, Commander of NAVFORSOL. (MAL/DFNieva-NAVFORSOL/PIA/Albay)