MABINAY town in Negros Oriental received an award for successfully gathering the biggest number of volunteers nationwide with over 7,000 in the recent Gawad Kalinga Bayani Challenge 2013 held March 23 to 27.
Mabinay was one of the 43 sites throughout the country that joined the Bayani Challenge event.
The army’s 302nd Brigade formed part of the strong army of volunteers that provided 2,000 residents with free medical and dental services.
Capt. Cresencio Gargar, information officer of the army, said the military medical team together with the rural health unit of Mabinay, rendered free services, such as tooth extractions with free medicines, circumcisions, haircut and massage.
Brigade commander Col. Francisco Patrimonio said the activity is part of the brigade’s civil military operation activities in delivering basic social services to the poorest among the poor residents in the area of responsibility.
Dr. Ernest Uy of the Mabinay Rural Health Unit said thousands of patients also availed of free vitamins and deworming.
Mabinay Mayor Jango Uy donated a six-hectare lot for the Gawad Kalinga site where 35 two-storey-row houses will be constructed for the victims of typhoon Pablo.
Negros Oriental 2nd District Rep. George Arnaiz thanked all the volunteers and sponsors for the successful conduct of Bayani Challenge.