LICUAN-BAAY, Abra – The 41st Infantry “Partner for Peace” Battalion and the indigenous peoples of Licuan-Baay have initiated a general assembly meeting with the theme: “Through cooperation, progress begins.”    

The general assembly meeting held at the Baay National High School in Brgy. Tumalip, Licuan-Baay this month is just one of the components of the battalion’s community relations programs particularly the conduct of community assembly meetings being carried out by the Civil Military   Operations Unit led by 1Lt. Eduard Sia-ed.

The event was highlighted by the service cum info caravan with the delivery of basic social services from various government units and agencies such as free medical and dental services, free circumcision, free animal and anti-rabies vaccination, and information dissemination on various aspects of life such as basic health care and the services their agencies can offer to the general public.  

A total of at least 600 persons benefited from the day’s medical and dental services provided jointly by the medical staff of the Abra Provincial Health Office led by Dr. Godofredo Gasa; the Army medical team led by Maj. Ignacio Timbol of the 5th Infantry Division who came from Gamu, Isabela; the dental team of the 503rd Infantry Brigade based in Brgy. Tagodtod, Lagangilang led by 1Lt. Jayson Lorzano; the nursing students of the Abra Valley Colleges led by Anthony June Calibo; and the social services of the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian led by Dr. Diosdado Taverner.

During the program which formally opened the day’s activities, the heads of the barangays covered were one in expressing their gratitude for the support and dedication of the Philippine Army in maintaining peace and order in their municipality.  In his speech, barangay captain Nestor Castillo acknowledged the role of the Army in keeping their place free from insurgents which is basic to the attainment of progress.