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SORSOGON PROVINCE, Republic of the Philippines — On April 17, the healing hands of the armed forces of the Philippines and the U.S. Armed Forces came together for the kickoff of the medical civil action projects of Balikatan 2009.
The initial project took place at the Patag, Irosin, Sorsogon province, attracting more than 900 local citizens the first day, including children and animals in need of medical, dental and veterinary attention.
The large turnout showed great potential for future MEDCAPS during the remainder of BK09, said Manrico Frejas, the local Barangay captain.
"It is good that the armed forces from both nations are working together because there are so many people in need of medical attention," Frejas added.
The activity allowed doctors, corpsman and dentists from the multinational services to work together and share the various techniques to include tooth extractions, circumcisions, optometry, health assessments and also vaccinations and de-wormings for animals.
"This is a great opportunity for the armed forces as well the Filipinos," said Capt. William Recuenco, a medical surgeon with the AFP Medical Center of Manila. "By bringing medical help to the Philippines, our people and the U.S. forces can interact and bond, which will in turn brings our nations closer."
Pediatricians treated children with colds, fevers and ear and upper respiratory infections. The children were very responsive and brave when they were being treated, said Christine Bajaro, a medical translator nurse with the Department of Labor.
People were also prescribed medications to help with their ailments.
According to various doctors and corpsman, the people reacted warmly to the service member's cause and were very cooperative throughout the activity.
"Our main focus here is helping the people and it's great that they understand that," said Petty Officer 3rd Class Joshua Gahan, a hospital corpsman from CLR-37 who was helping in pediatrics during the MEDCAP.
Gahan added that the project also ran very smoothly considering the patient to corpsman and doctor ratio.
The dentists also had a mouthful to say about the experience in helping this community.
"Their were so many people that we ourselves were ecstatic at how people we knew we were about to help, so it gives you very good feeling of accomplishment and sense of purpose," said Philippine army Maj. Susan T. Mendo, the chief dentist for the project from AFP Reserve Company.
Even the animals were responsive to the special treatment offered at the event.
"We weren't only treating dogs and cats, but people even brought their water buffalo to get treatment and they were very cooperative," said U.S. Army Maj. David Cox, a veterinarian from Japan District Veterinary Command.
On the whole, the project was success with the bilateral-coordination of the AFP and U.S. doctors, as well as the cooperation and satisfaction of the local community.
"I know this project is going to benefit so many people and bring about a great change," Frejas recounted.
This humanitarian medical mission was the first of 22 missions to come during Balikatan 09.
Balikatan 2009 is a bilateral humanitarian assistance and training activity that promotes unity and readiness between the Republic of the Philippines and the United States. In the Bicol region, Philippine and U.S. military forces are constructing two water wells, building two schools and constructing two roads as part of Balikatan 2009. They will also conduct free medical, dental and veterinary clinics in the Bicol region. Efforts like this help ensure humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts are efficient and effective. Balikatan is a Tagalog word that means "shoulder-to-shoulder" and characterizes the philosophy and intent behind the mission.
| Date Taken: | 04.21.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 04.21.2009 05:41 |
| Story ID: | 32643 |
| Location: | SORSOGON PROVINCE, PH |
| Web Views: | 343 |
| Downloads: | 311 |
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