AFP, US troops deliver health services to Quezon communities

By Jay B. Laurino Philippine and United States military medical teams provide free consultations and medicines to residents during a communi...

By Jay B. Laurino

Philippine and United States military medical teams provide free consultations and medicines to residents during a community health outreach in San Narciso, Quezon under Exercise Balikatan 41-2026. (Armed Forces of the Philippines)

SAN NARCISO, Quezon — Philippine and US medical teams provided health services to about 300 residents during a two-day outreach from April 8 to 9 in this town. Effort combined humanitarian outreach and skills training while strengthening local preparedness across vulnerable communities.

Forces from the said agencies carried out the mission as part of Exercise Balikatan 41-2026 in coordination with the United States Indo-Pacific Command. Activity linked defense cooperation with community support and local capacity building.



These teams conducted the outreach in San Narciso, Quezon through coordinated civic and medical activities. Initiative improved delivery of services while addressing limited access in underserved barangays.

Organizers carried out Community Health Engagement and Civic Action activities alongside local stakeholders and responders. Approach combined humanitarian assistance with stronger coordination between military teams and civilian groups.

Medical teams from both countries, supported by AFP reservists, provided consultations, dental services, and free medicines to residents. Beneficiaries included individuals from Barangay Villa Reyes and nearby communities with limited access to care.

Program organizers conducted training sessions for local responders and barangay personnel across participating areas. Participants learned trauma care, first aid, and ways to control disease-carrying insects while strengthening emergency response capabilities.

AFP described the mission as part of a broader plan linking defense work with community development efforts. Effort strengthens public trust while building local capacity alongside government units and stakeholders.

Officials said activities under Balikatan exercises reinforce the Philippines–United States alliance. Both sides cited shared commitments to humanitarian cooperation while promoting regional stability and mutual support.