Army Soldiers Conduct Civic Action in Camarines Sur

9ID's dental personnel in action during the Medical/Dental mission co-sponsored with ABS-CBN Bicol held in U.S.I gym in Naga City on August 21, 2010.

Dr Andy Gimpaya 3rd from left, is attending a sick child as 9ID officers look on.

CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur – At least one hundred members of the Philippine Army conducted civic action activity in Naga City which kicked-off at around 8:00am today, a military official said.

LtCol Erwin De Asis, Civil-Military Operations Officer of the 9th Infantry Division said that the Philippine Army collaborated with ABS-CBN Bicol during today’s conduct of social services.

At least 100 CAFGU personnel from the 22nd Infantry Battalion came to donate blood that will benefit people who need blood transfusion during emergency medical procedures.

Major General Ruperto Pabustan, Commander of the 9th Infantry Division sent the medical and dental personnel of the Philippine Army to provide services to the target beneficiaries.

More or less 200 people who came to the University of Sta Isabel gym, the site of the civic-action activities.

Most of the beneficiaries in the medical and dental services had availed of the similar services in the past.

Amelia Borres, 50, said that she is very thankful that the Philippine Army has constantly helped the people in Camarines Sur. She said that she came to have her tooth extracted.

“The free dental services provided by the Army is a big help to ordinary Bicolanos like me. I am also thankful to the ABS-CBN for providing free medicines in coordination with the Philippine Army,” said Borres.

Captain Warlito Chee, the 9ID’s dental officer narrated that he had participated in the numerous civic-action missions requested by various agencies and local government units.

“I had practically roamed around Camarines Sur to carry out dental missions even in remote baranggays which are categorized as ‘rebel-influenced’,” said Chee.

Ms Amy Villafuerte, Manager of ABS-CBN Bicol personally came to supervise the event. She said that her group is very eager to help the people in various capacities.

“I would like to thank the Philippine Army for being our reliable partner in this undertaking. We look forward to having more partnerships in the future,” said Villafuerte.