TARLAC CITY – Around 500 members of the Ayta community in Barangay Sto. Niño, Bamban, Tarlac benefited from a medical mission organized by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA).
With the theme “Kalusugan at Kaunlaran,” the activity provided medical checkups, free medicines, health kits, nutritious meals, food supplements, and vitamins to 300 adults and 200 children.
BCDA Vice President for Public Affairs Leilani Barlongay-Macasaet thanked the community for welcoming the team and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to assist Indigenous Peoples (IPs).
“Sa ngalan ng Presidente ng BCDA, Engr. Joshua M. Bingcang, ako ay lubos na nagpapasalamat sa pagkakataong makiisa at makatulong sa ating mga katutubong kapatid dito sa Bamban (On behalf of the BCDA President, Engr. Joshua M. Bingcang, I sincerely thank you for the opportunity to join and help our Indigenous brothers and sisters here in Bamban),” she said.
Beneficiaries were able to consult with volunteer doctors, receive medical referrals, and discuss their health concerns with the attending personnel.
In addition, children received toys, underscoring BCDA’s efforts to support the holistic well-being of IP communities.
The medical mission was carried out in partnership with the Northern Luzon Command, Training Command, Philippine Army, 600th Air Base Group, Air Logistics Command, Philippine Air Force, Philippine Marine Corps Foundation, Inc., Philippine Red Cross, Manila Water Foundation, and Eagle-K Foundation.
Bamban Mayor Jose Salting Jr. led the opening ceremonies and acknowledged the presence of IP communities in the municipality.
Also present were San Vicente Barangay Chairperson Shandel Arias and IP Mandatory Representatives Junjun Tolentino and Oscar Rivera.
This initiative reaffirms BCDA’s commitment to corporate social responsibility by ensuring that development within its areas directly benefits local communities, especially IPs. (MAECR, PIA Region 3-Tarlac)