By Nene A. Manzanares

Catarman, Northern Samar (19 August) -- They called it convergence. Observers said it was public service. Program "think tanks" dubbed it as "People's Day of Catarman".

But whatever title it carried, the recently conducted two day medical and dental services at Barangay Baybay in Catarman was a product of dedicated service as the Central Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the 803rd Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes in coordination with the provincial government and the municipality of Catarman joined hands to serve the needy of the four barangays of Airport Village, Talisay, Abad Santos and Baybay.

According to Lt. Col. Ernesto M. Simon of the 803rd Brigade, there were 932 patients who got medical attention, while 252 beneficiaries got dental services. In his report, Simon said that while the actual conduct of the medical and dental services were done in Barangay Baybay, the recipients of the program came from the nearby three other barangays.

. General Pedro Ike I. Inserto was guest of honor and speaker during the opening ceremony which was attended by Vice-Governor Antonio P. Lucero, Catarman Mayor Alita E. Rosales and Col. Eduardo D. Del Rosario, commanding officer of the 803rd Infantry Brigade. It was likewise attended by Brgy. chair Mila Edria of Brgy. Baybay, Brgy. Chair Yolanda Talavera of Brgy. Airport Village, Brgy. Chair Pilar Adriasola of Brgy. Talisay and Brgy chair Luiz Marino of Brgy. Abad Santos. Baranagy health workers and school teachers of Brgy. Baybay Elementary School supported the noble undertaking by witnessing the opening program and by suspending their school classes to make way for the conduct of the two day "People's Day of Catarman".

In his message, Lt. General Inserto who initiated the activity acknowledged the role of PCSO- Cebu regional director William Medici, a kindhearted Catarmananon who made possible the release of P75,000 for the purchase of medicines.

The "People's Day of Catarman" has been conceptualized by Inserto who integrated this in one of the flagship programs of the Central Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Simon also reported that during the closing ceremonies, both the military led by Lt. Col. Lucino E. Astrero, brigade executive officer who represented the 803rd brigade commander and the barangay captains of the four barangays expressed their gratitude for the cooperation extended by both the military and civilian groups. Active support was provided by the Barangay officials, barangay health workers and the barangay tanods.