Free medical and dental care supplies were provided by American soldiers to more than 500 individuals affected by typhoon Odette in Palawan.
The US Civil-Military Support Element-Philippines (CMSE-PHL) worked with Philippine partner organizations to provide over 1,000 kilograms of medical and dental supplies amounting to over P700,000.
It aims to support Palawan province’s ongoing efforts to assist communities, including Port Barton, and expand services in all villages in the province.
According to the US Embassy in the Philippines, CMSE-PHL partnered with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) District Palawan-Special Operations Group, San Vicente Municipality, San Vicente Rural Health Unit, Philippine Marines 33rd Company, Palawan Department of Health (DOH), and the Philippine Dental Association (PDA)-Palawan Chapter to implement the project.
In December 2021, Port Barton recorded nearly P303 million in property damage due to Typhoon Odette.
“The typhoon was an immense challenge for our men and women on the front lines in the PCG, from conducting search and rescue missions to transporting aid to different communities in Palawan,” said Lt. Jonathan Morante, commanding officer of the PCG-Special Operations Group.
“We are proud to be able to help our district and our people rebuild together, and we thank our US partners for helping us support the people of Palawan,” Morante added.
While American soldiers provided medical and dental supplies, Philippine Marine medics and DOH Palawan provided free on-site consultations and treatments to the people of Barangay Port Barton.
They also administered vaccines against Covid-19.
Dentists from the PDA-Palawan Chapter also provided free treatment and hygiene kits to children.
“It’s amazing to see the resilience of the people of Palawan, and their commitment to serving their communities even under the toughest of circumstances,” said Sgt. 1st Class Linton Pitluga, a US Army medic with CMSE-PHL.
“It’s an honor to be able to work with our partners and be a small part of this inspiring effort to rebuild,” Pitluga added.