DAVAO ORIENTAL — Around 470 residents in Sitio Logdeck, Barangay Maragatas in Lupon have benefited during the Multi-Stakeholder Medical Mission and Biodiversity Conservation Outreach Program.

An activity implemented under the Executive Order 70 or the Whole-of-Nation Approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) on Saturday, March 27, 2021, the outreach program offered free services such as medical Check-up, Operation Tuli, Free Haircut as well as distribution of Hygiene Kits, Vitamins and Medicines, School Supplies, Food Packs and other relief supplies along with free porridge and meals.

Leading the activity was the provincial government in partnership with the Ateneo de Davao High School Batch 1996 (Front Knighters). This was in collaboration with the different agencies and stakeholders namely Davao Oriental Capitol Clinic (DOCC), Provincial Task Force ELCAC, National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP), Davao Regional Medical Center, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Army, and other concerned agencies with the support of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Lupon.

“Malipayon jud mi na nagpadayun na nga malinawon diri sa amoang lugar ug dako kaayo ang mga tabang nga nahatag sa among pamilya na bisan sa kalisod naa ang gobyerno sa daghan nga mga benepisyo para sa amoa,” a resident of the Sitio Logdeck Lydia Cabantao said.

Aside from the free medical services, the participants also planted 20 narra seedlings in support for its advocacy to conserve the environment while committing to engage the communities in building a community of peace and development towards ending the insurgency and armed conflict.

The same medical mission was also conducted in Barangay Don Enrique Lopez in the City of Mati last March 23-24. The 2-day service benefited more than 200 residents from the Sitios of Upper and Lower Calaparan including those from the village proper. By Mark Alvite