It is said that it only takes one person— one little act of kindness— to inspire others and make a difference.
All the volunteers from Mindanao Humanitarian Volunteers for Peace, MJB Cares Foundation, initiated by the 96th Infantry Battalion Special Forces under Lt Col Jeffrey Bugnosen, with the full support of the LGU of the Municipality of Aroroy led by Mayor Arturo B. Virtucio, have really brought joy to the residents of Barangay Cabas-an, Masbate, as they successfully conducted an All-in-One Medical Mission last June 15–16, 2023.
This 2-day medical mission successfully served the people of Cabas-an, who availed of medical and non-medical services:
- Pediatric and Adult consultation – 730 patients
- Dental services – 62 Patients
- Circumcision – 83 patients
- Laboratory services – 304 patients
- Minor surgery – 15 patients
- Eye check-up – 185 patients
- Prescription glasses – 58 patients
- Cataract surgery – 15 patients
- Arts for peace – 20 participants
- Football for peace – 70 participants
- Haircut – 100 individuals
“Ang medical mission na ito ay pang All in one package. Lahat ng kailangan namin ay naibigay. Pahirapan kaming makakuha ng atensyong medical gawa ng layo ng aming barangay. Ngayon, natugunan na ang pangangailangan naming. Maraming salamat po!”
– Mary Jane Velasco, a local resident of Cabas-an
Cabas-an was crawling with NPA for decades. This community apparently experienced roadside bombing and extortion by militant groups that acquired high power weapons. Not only are they armed, but their influence is extensive and powerful, as they also have support from other nearby islands. This NPA group disseminates false information that they are firing schools. This inevitably fermented terror across the land, which discouraged children from going to school.
“Naexperience ko nang magapos, makuha ng NPA. Handa kong ibuwis ang buhay ko, masaksihan ko lang na wala nang terrorismo sa barangay ng Cabas-an. Nakita naming lahat ang effort at dedikasyon niyo. Saksi kaming lahat. Salamat sa pag dalo dito sa barangay namin. Salamat sa mga gamot. Salamat sa serbisyo.”
– Aniano Capinig, Barangay Captain
But with the help of their mayor through development projects and the persistent operations of the Philippine Army, 4000 members of the NPA surrendered, finally putting a halt to this overdue armed conflict. The rehabilitation and reintegration program is put in place for these surrendered NPAs with the idea that they do not deserve to be forever condemned as they are already embracing a new life. This ends the vicious cycle of revenge and hatred.
“Sa tagal ng panahon, tayo ay nabubuhay sa takot. Ngunit dahil sa 96 Infantry Battalion, tayo ay wala nang dapat ikatakot. Sa Mindanao Humanitarian Volunteers for Peace, salamat sa pagbigay ng libreng serbisyo. Isang karalangan na kayo ay makarating saaming lugar. Lahat tayo ay mag tulungan upang makamit natin ang kapayapaan at kaunlaran.”
– Mayor Arturo B. Virtucio
“Nandito kame kase na invite kame ng Military partner namin. Sila ang nag pili may nagtatanong saakin. “Doc. bakit niyo to ginagawa? kayo ang nag gasto, kayo nag dadala ng mga gamot” isa lang sagot ko: kaya namin mag bigay ng libreng serbisyo, kaya namin mag bigay ng gamot, at kaya namin kayong pasayahin. kung kayo ay masaya, masaya na rin po kame.”
– Dra Maria Theresa Heyrosa
We believe that attaining peace is everyone’s shared collective responsibility. Everyone has the power to do something for the greater good. It’s up to the individual’s discretion if he’s willing to act.
The question now becomes, Are you willing to act?
