CEBU, Philippines - Thousands of residents of Barangay Tangke in Talisay City benefited from the joint medical and dental civic action program initiated by the local government and the AFP’s Central Command composed of the 78th Infantry Battalion, 8th Infantry Division and the Philippine Army.
Aside from the medical and dental benefits, residents also received packed goods given by DSWD as well as used clothing distributed by the soldiers. Lt. Gen. Isagani Cachuela, Central Command commander, led the turn over the said packages and clothing to barangay captain Perla Cabanes.
“Rest assured, that even the military will no longer be based here, we are all the time willing to help and render our service to all,” said Cachuela. “Promoting peace and order situation through out the country is what all we dreamed for,” he added.
Meanwhile, Talisay City Mayor Socrates Fernandez said that there is no other substitute for sustaining peace when military, army, navy and local government official join together in rendering service like the recent activity.
The mayor said it was an affirmation that the local government cares for the people.
“We do not advocate arm thrust but a testimony that love is the greatest virtue to prevent all violent actions,” Fernandez said.
“I express my gratitude to the army, navy, air force and to all of their superiors who plan and executed this program,” he added.
Maj. Wilson Feria, chief information officer of CentCom said that around 50 personnel from the navy, air force and army joined the medical and dental mission.
Col. Ronald Albano, CentCom’s chief of staff and Lt. Col. Raymundo Bañares Jr., commanding officer of 78th IB, were also present during the event. — Johanna T. Natavio/WAB (THE FREEMAN)