More than 1,000 residents of far-flung villages benefited from a one-day medical-dental mission conducted by the Ako Bicol (AKB) Party-list in an upland town in Albay province on Friday.

AKB Representative Elizaldy Co, chair of the House Committee on Appropriations, said the mission dubbed “Tarabangan Caravan” was conducted in Barangay Poblacion, Manito town as part of the priority programs of AKB and President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to give health services to the people.

“The activities provided medical services and other government programs to the residents of far-flung barangays of Manito, Albay especially those who have difficulty accessing health services,” Co said.

He also noted that the AKB party-list is funding a super healthcare facility that will be put up in the town of Manito.

“It is important for you to have access to health services so that we will put a super health center here. We are just waiting for the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) bidding. You deserve to have a health care service here in Manito so that next time it is not just a medical mission,” Co said.

He said PHP15 to PHP25 million is being allocated for the super health center.

“The fund is just a start-up, we will continue to provide the health service needed in this town. The construction will start in the third quarter of the year,” Co noted.

Manito Mayor Rebecca Dayap-Chan thanked the party-list for bringing free healthcare services to her town’s residents.

“This activity is a big help for my constituents. We will not go to Legazpi for a check-up, and we will not spend money just to go to the hospital. Indeed, thank you so much Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co for giving us the opportunity to our people,” Dayap-Chan said.

Apart from the medical and dental services, a job fair, free massage, and free haircut were also given to the people.

Manito is an upland town 47 kilometers away from Legazpi City. (PNA)