'Doctor-less' Abra town benefits from Globe-Army medical mission

BOLINEY, Abra, Philippines  – Boliney town in Abra province has a population of just over 3,000.

Known for its pristine forests and attractions such as the Bani Hot Springs, getting to Boliney is no easy feat. One has to cross a river and five streams to get in and out of the municipality.

Due to its remoteness, Boliney has virtually no health facilities and no doctors. The only medical personnel in the area are a nurse and three midwives.

To help residents, Globe Telecom, together with the Army’s 50th Infantry Battalion, recently conducted a medical and dental mission in Boliney.

Almost 500 patients coming from the municipality’s eight barangays benefited from the free medical and dental services as well as circumcision procedures provided by the medical personnel.

Free medicine were likewise provided to the patients by Globe, through its social responsibility arm Globe Bridging Communities.

Globe also set up a “Libreng Tawag” booth, where residents were able to make national and overseas calls for free.

Col. Rogelio Nigote, commander of the Army’s 50th IB, said the medical and dental services were part of their civil-military operations to foster cooperation for peace and development with local residents.

“Boliney is quite remote that the government is barely felt by the people. So we take the opportunity in helping the government deliver basic services to residents in remote areas. We are pleased to have Globe Telecom as a vital partner in reaching out to our fellow Filipinos,” said Nigote.

Globe has been conducting medical missions and establishing sustainable development projects in the various communities that it serves, working closely with key partners and stakeholders.