Medical Civic Action Programs (MEDCAPs) 2016
Peace talks and ceasefire has been implemented in the country for the past 6 months, the military or the Philippine Army in particular are doubling their efforts to maintain the peace and development and to counteract the communist group New People’s Army (NPA) efforts to gain new recruits.
Reach-out missions like the Medical Civiv Action Programs (MEDCAPs) is just one of the many programs they conduct to reach-out to the communities offering medical and dental services, livelihood and other programs that would enhance the living conditions and help improve the lives of the resident.
MEDCAP in Barangay Hiluctugan, Carigara, Leyte
On 12 December 2016, ACIM-Asia’s team together with the Philippine Army from the 802nd Bridage conducted a medical mission in the gymnasium of Hiluctugan Elementary School in Barangay Hiluctugan, Carigara, Leyte.
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| CPT Galope, the S7 of 802nd Infantry Brigade, gave a run-down information about the brigade and the incoming MEDCAP activity. |
ACIM-Asia arrived in 802nd Infantry Brigade in Ormoc, Leyte from General Santos City a day before the medical mission and was warmly received and welcome by the 802nd BDE Team and Col Francisco Mendoza (GSC) INF PA the Commanding Officer of the brigade.
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| Discussion with the Brigade Commander. L-R: Elaine, Elisabeth and Mailys both volunteers of ACIM-Asia from France, Lt. Bajet the Commanding Officer of 82nd CMO Company and Col Francisco Mendoza (GSC) INF PA the Brigade Commander of 802nd BDE. |
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| Mailys and Elisabeth, atop the light armored vehicle of the brigade. |
MEDICAL MISSION DAY
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| The ACIM-Asia team with the Commanding Officer of 82nd CMO Company at the Energy Development Center. |
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| Registration of patients. |
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| Taking of vital signs. |
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| Free blood glucose test. |
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| Mailys and Elisabeth manning the blood glucose test. |
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| A mother with her son who has Cerebral Palsy came to take advantage of the free check-up and medicines. Both mother and son was checked by CPT Kenny Alaurin (MC) PA. |
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| A pupil took advantage of the free dental check-up and extraction from the Dental Team of 8th Infantry Division. |
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| Elisabeth, a physical therapist, gave the mother of a patient with Cerebral Palsy basic steps on how to massage the patient's limbs to avoid further complications. |
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| A patient with a large opened wound was immediately given proper medical attention. |
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| Free medicines for the patients. |
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| The ACIM-Asia team together with the 82nd CMO Company of 8CMO Bn, 8ID. |
MEDCAP in Barangay Lale, Pinabacdao, Samar
A Medical Civic Action Program was conducted in Barangay Lale in Pinabacdao organized by the 87th Infantry Battalion together with its stakeholders. Pinabacdao is a 4th class municipality in the province of Samar.
Different services were offered to the beneficiaries namely medical and dental services, free medicines, haircuts, personal grooming, massage, vegetable seeds and dog vaccination. Kids enjoyed film viewing and magic tricks and a peace forum and pledge for peace wrapped up the one day peace caravan in Pinabacdao.
Medical and Dental Services plus Free Medicines
The Pharmacies
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| ACIM-Asia, helping in providing free medicines to the patients. |
Other services offered were: free haircuts, hair coloring, manicure and pedicure, massage, vegetable seeds and dog vaccination.
Film viewing and magic tricks was set-up and preformed for the enjoyment of the community.
Peace Forum and Pledge for Peace
Ending the mission with children asking for rosaries.
MEDCAP in 801st Brigade
A Medical Civic Action Program was conducted on 29 June 2016 in 801st
Brigade of 8th Infantry Division as part of their week-long celebration of their 30th founding anniversary.
Discussing the Militia Immaculatae with the soldiers.
ACIM-Asia, as one of their stakeholders participated in
the said event by providing medicines, medical and dental supplies for the patients
and catechism for the patients and conferences about the Militia
Immaculate for the soldiers by Father Tim Pfeiffer.
The Medical Mission
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| Free medicines for the patients. |
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| The medical team. |
CATECHISM
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| Catechism for the patients. Prayer guides and rosaries were given for free. |
Discussing the Militia Immaculatae with the soldiers.
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| Discussion. Fr.
Tim Pfeiffer (right) with Brigade Commander Col
Perfecto Rimando, Jr INF (GSC) PA (center) and Col Raylindo S. Aniñon the Deputy Brigade Commander. |
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The soldiers who are now
part of the MI.
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MEDCAP in 87th Infantry Battalion
On the occasion of the 6th Founding Anniversary of the Battalion in Calbiga, Samar, the Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. George Domingo sent a request to ACIM-Asia for medicines and personnel to support the medical civic action program that they planned to conduct for the residents of hinterland barangays of Literon, Binangaran, Daligan, Buluan, Ceri and Hubasan - all in Calbiga.
The Battalion had suffered injuries and lost a man at a recent ambush by communist rebels. They wanted to reach out to the people and educate them in order to establish solid peace and order.
We sent medicines and personnel. The target number of patients was 1,000 but because of the recent ambushes, the people were a bit wary of traveling; so, there were only 333 patients served at the mission: 186 medical patients (adult and pedia), 82 surgical (minor) patients, and 65 dental patients.
The pharmacy was provided by the Rosa Mystica Health Mission. Elaine was strictly in control.
The patients lived below the poverty threshold and were easily swayed by communist rhetoric. As they waited for their turn to see the doctors, they listened to brief presentations about the work of the military and also the civic programs programs offered by the military.
Meanwhile....
A Legion of Mary member from Rizal Province came to teach catechism to the patients. Her help was very much needed because she could speak Waray - the local dialect. Three hundred received rosaries and 220 were given the brown scapular. The patients were wonderfully surprised about the catechism. All of them said that it was their first time to learn how to pray the Rosary and to hear about the importance of the scapular. They were eager to hear more, saying they have never had any catechism lesson before and they wished to overcome their ignorance on the basic Catholic teachings, but time was short as it was only a one-day mission.....
The people's ignorance regarding catechism is not surprising considering that there the dedicated advocates for the poor are communists and the most vocal communist in the area is a priest-turned-rebel - Fr. Santiago Salas - who is the spokesman for the communist National Democratic Front. No wonder, the people are more aware of communist propaganda than Catholic doctrines. Five months ago, military troops conducting a routine peace and security operation captured a communist New People's Army camp with 18 bunkers, a multipurpose hall and a classroom...where, we presume, the people did not listen to catechism lessons. God have mercy on them all.
Rev. Fr. Timothy Pfeiffer squeezed his schedule to spare time for the mission. So the mission was able to start with a Holy Mass attended by around 60 people.
Afterwards he gave a conference to 22 officers and enlisted personnel of the Philippine Army of the 87th Infantry Battalion.
The military men's knowledge of the basic prayers was assessed then they were taught about the Miraculous Medal and the Militia Immaculatae.
The errors of communism and the means to defeat it were discussed.
The men were interested to have follow up conferences but the main problem was how to accommodate their needs considering the priest's hectic schedule.
Getting ready for the procession of Our Lady of Fatima to commemorate the 99th anniversary of the first apparition on May 13, 1917.
"Say the Rosary every day, to bring peace to the world and an end to the war...."
The men constantly battling with communist forces pray to Our Lady of Fatima.
"In the end, my Immaculate Heart will triumph."
O Mary conceived without original sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee and for all those who do not have recourse to thee!
Catechism for the patients.
Mitte Domine operarios in messem tuam....
ARMY DAY 119
During the said event, the Army showcased to the public their capabilities and services, recruitment to enter the military organization and offered medical and dental services to the public.
MEDICAL SERVICES
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| Registration and taking of vital signs. |
Free medical consultation...
and free medicines provided by ACIM-Asia.
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| The 801st Brigade Commander checking out the pharmacy. CATECHISM
While patients wait for their medicines, 2 Legion of Mary from General Santos City conducted catechism to the patients teaching them how to pray the rosary and other prayers and were given free rosaries and guides.
 
Scapulars were imposed by Father Ghela to those who wish to received them.
Father Ghela giving a
little bit of catechism before imposing the scapulars to the armies and the
civilians.
       OTHER ACTIVITIES     
Small talks with the Commanding General of 8th Infantry Division.
 
Meeting the Brigade Commanders of 801st and 802nd Brigades...
and the Battalion Commanders of 8ID.
 
Judging the exhibits...
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