Team NavForWeM celebrates with San Nicolas Feast in Sirawai

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (September 14, 2017) - Naval Forces Western Mindanao ((NFWM) conducted a Community Outreach program in celebration of San Nicolas Feast in Sirawai, Zamboanga Del Norte last Saturday (Sept. 9, 2017).

 The Commander, NFWM Rear Adm. Rene V. Medina AFP, who is a native of Sirawai, Zamboanga Del Norte was represented by the Deputy Commander for Marine Operations, NFWM Col. Hernanie S. Songano PN (M) (GSC) along with the Team NavForWeM. The participating units were Naval Reserve Center—Western Mindanao (NRCen-WM), Civil Military Operations Unit- Western Mindanao (CMOU-WM), Camp Navarro Dental Dental Dispensary (CNDD), Camp Navarro General Hospital (CNGH), Marine Battalion Landing Team 11 (MBLT11) and the NFWM Combo. The team was welcomed by San Nicolas Brgy. Captain, Hon. Arthur B Delantar and other Barangay Officials. The community outreach was themed, "Kauban Nyo ang Inyong Navy sa Kalinaw ug Paglambo". The CMO initiatives strengthen the  Higher Headquarters development support and security plan, “Kapayapaan 2017-2022” in promoting peace, ensuring security, helping maintain public order and supporting the overall development initiatives of the government.

Rear Adm. Medina said that the Team NavForWeM offered free medical and dental consultation, Operation Tuli, Feeding Program, optical check-up with free eye glasses, free haircut and Film showing. Food packs and dental kit were also given. Moreover, the recruitment team provided information and assistance to those aspiring to join the Navy. The NFWM Combo was also there to entertain the citizens and their performance was supplemented by a dance number from the residents of Brgy. San Nicolas. The outreach program had been successful with the help of various stakeholders of NFWM namely, KCC Mall, Dr. Wee and Dr. Feliciano of Philippine Dental Association, Philippine Navy Savings and Loans Association Inc. (PNSLAI), Department of Health Region IX (DOH-R9), Universal Canning and Crystal Clear Vision Eye Center.

Last June 15, 2017, Team NFWM conducted its first Community Outreach in the Municipality in line with the celebration of “Araw ng Sirawai 2017” which benefitted 807 residents. The second visit of the command in Brgy San Nicolas adds to the joyful celebration of the Feast in the Barangay and has a total of 821 beneficiaries. The activity guaranteed the citizens that the Navy stands ready to provide necessary services and assistance to the community despite the current threat in Zamboanga Del Norte and NFWM Area of Responsibility.