OFFICERS and men of the Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) on Saturday launched a free haircut, brought meals and sponsored a medical-dental mission in Tanay, Rizal which benefited over 500 residents, majority of them members of an indigenous tribe, the Journal Group learned.

PDEG director Brigadier General Dionisio B. Bartolome Jr. led the mission in Brgy. Daraitan, Tanay.

The other services were free medical and dental checkups, fluoride treatment for kids aged 3-12 and ‘lugaw,’ sopas and pandesal to hundreds of Bgy. Daraitan folks.

The beneficiaries were 183 Dumagat families which also received essential items such as free medicine, vitamins, health and sanitary kit as well as clothes and slippers.

Basketballs were also distributed to young residents of the village as part of the PDEG’s effort to promote healthy living.

Bartolome said the collaboration between non- governmental organizations and volunteers highlighted the community’s shared spirit and the power of unity and solidarity to bring positive change.

Bartolome said they are looking forward to similar humanitarian missions in far-flung areas of the country to bring service to the poor and help uplift their spirits.

He also cited the help provided to the PDEG by various organizations including the PNP Regional Medical and Dental Unit 4-A, the Regional Community Affairs and Development Unit 4A, the PNP Officers’ Ladies Club and the PDEG Advisory Council and Value Life Coaches.

Other contributors to the cause were the Anti-Crime & Community Emergency Response Team, Community Anti-Crime Group, Anti-Narcotics International Assistance Group, Guardians Magistrate Advocators for Democracy Int’l, Inc., the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc,. Kokuryo Cosmetics, the Santos Ventura Hokorma and Foundation, the Kaisa Para sa Kaunlaran, Inc., the Rotary Club of Raha Sulayman, PAGCOR, Eagles Central Luzon Chapter, Malasakit Center and the PSMBFI.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Alfred P. Dalizon