On a high mountain in the Philippines lies a little village. Access to cars, electricity and running water is scarce in this small community. Life’s daily duties are priority, making medical attention a luxury that many cannot afford.
On Oct. 18, U.S. Marines and sailors along with service members of the armed forces of the Philippines traveled to Batiawan, bringing everything from medical personnel to toothbrushes.
By bus, the nearest medical facility is over an hour and a half away, making it difficult to seek medical care.
“It has been a long time since a lot of these people have received medical treatment. You can tell,” said Ronald E. Givens, a pharmacy technician with Marine Wing Support Squadron 171. “The kids and the elders seem to be the ones who have been hit the hardest. They are more susceptible to the poor living conditions.”
According to Givens, most of the locals needing medications were those with coughs, colds and other respiratory problems.
Before locals were allowed to sit down with a doctor or dentist, they first had to wait in line for a general check up, after which they would receive a slip to visit the doctor or dentist.
It was not long after the Marines and sailors arrived when villagers began to gather and wait patiently in line for their turn to be seen.
“These people are good people,” said Givens. “They are so appreciative. It makes me wish I could give even more.”
Villagers did not only receive medical attention. They also received a variety of other essentials.
Marines stood in the back of large cargo trucks passing out food, clothing and toiletries to the locals.
In a matter of a day, the U.S. service members provided muchneeded attention to villagers in need.
“The Americans are like angels. They came and saved us from sickness and fixed our water,” said Ernesto Paule, a local who quickly took a liking to the U.S. service members. “The Americans are my friends. I wish and pray for them to come back again soon.”
For the villagers, the day might have been a saving grace. For some service members, it was an opportunity and experience providing some perspective.
“As a dentist, we meet a lot of people who are concerned with aesthetic. The people here are just concerned with functionality and getting by,” said Lt. Robinson T. Kiser, general dentist with the 3rd Dental Battalion. “This experience has really made me step back and ask myself what is important and what really matters. The answer is family, friends and community, all things the people of this village have in abundance