8ID spearheads distribution of relief goods and free medical/dental consultation in Eastern Samar

By DPAO, 8ID PA
April 22, 2014

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City, Samar – The 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army conducted relief goods and Hygiene kits distribution coupled with free medical and dental consultation and services in the three towns of Eastern Samar last April 22, 2014.

MajGen Jet B Velarmino AFP, the Commander of 8ID spearheaded the activity in distributing food packs and Hygiene kits courtesy of UNILEVER Philippines to around 878 super typhoon Yolanda victims a tBrgy. Roxas, Giporlos; Brgy Sta Rosa, Balangiga and Brgy 10, Poblacion, Lawaan all of Eastern Samar.

Each pack contains three kilos of rice, canned goods, and hygiene kits from UNILEVER Philippines. The AFP Commissary and Exchange Service based at Headquarters 8ID also joined the activity and supplemented assorted clothes, noodles, biscuits, chocolate drinks and hygiene kits.

Adding to the excitement of the activity was the giving away of chocolates to children living in the three barangays. When one child was asked to say something about the chocolate, she said: “Syahan ko nga makakaon hin sugad hine karasa nga tsokolet!” (It is my first time to have a taste of this type of tasty chocolate!) The chocolates were donated by students of an academic institution for children based in the USA.

In addition to the gift giving, 8ID medical team led by Lt. Col. Reynaldo R. Cruz, Commanding Officer of Camp Lukban Station Hospital also rendered medical consultation and dispensed medicines, while Dental team led by LtCol. Luther A. Punzalan, Commanding Officer of 1368th Philippine Army Dental Detachment based at Headquarters 8ID rendered tooth extraction services, for a total of 301 medical and 147 dental beneficiaries in three Municipalities of Eastern Samar.

The chief executives of the three barangays were unanimous in expressing their appreciation to the effort of 8ID.

On the part of 8ID, Maj Gen Jet B Velarmino said: “Your Army in Eastern Visayas is here not only to keep the people free from fear, coercion and intimidation from NPA rebels, but also to attend to the welfare of the people particularly those affected by ST Yolanda.”

Note: The chocolates distributed during the activity cited in the last sentence of the fourth paragraph were donated by students of Montessori International School located in 1230 N. Gilbert Road, Mesa, Arizona, USA thru the effort of Ms. Therese Kestner, School Director.