Rebel returnee communities avail of medical, dental services

ILOILO CITY, Oct. 12 (PNA) – Hundreds of rebel returnees residing in a mountainous village of the municipality of Leon, Iloilo received free medical, dental and surgical mission facilitated by the Regional Kalahi Convergence Group (RKCG) as a kick off ceremony for the national week for overcoming extreme poverty slated yet on Oct. 17-23.

Presidential Assistant for Western Visayas Raul Banias said the activity was held Thursday morning in Barangay Tacuyong Sur, benefiting the village residents and that of the neighboring barangays of Pahe and Mokol.

“It was just a symbolic launching to enhance the awareness of our people on the importance of addressing extreme poverty. It is also a strong signal that we are bringing government services closer to far-flung barangays,” he said.

The activity was held in coordination with the University of the Philippines in the Visayas which already has initiated its own community-driven development project in the said areas.

Prior to the intervention of the UPV community, Banias said that Barangay Tacuyong Sur was heavily infested by rebels.

“The place now has access to services and they can already feel the presence of the government,” Banias said.

A similar activity will be held this Sunday in two barangays of Janiuay, Iloilo which are also host of rebel returnees, according to Banias.