LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Aug. 6 (PNA) — The United States (US) and the Philippine navies team up in the conduct of a medical mission as well as disaster preparedness seminar dubbed “Pacific Partnership 2015” in Pangasinan.
In this activity held August 5 and 6, a team from the Provincial Health Office (PHO) underwent basic life support training conducted by staff of the US Navy Ship (USNS) Mercy currently docked at Subic Bay, Olongapo City.
Provincial health officer, Dr. Anna De Guzman, who led the PHO delegation in the training, said there were 20 health responders who joined.
On August 10-12, around 70 USN officers and staff will engage in various activities related to medical, health, veterinary, and disaster-preparedness in partnership with the provincial government.
“The US navy team will provide technical assistance and cascade their expertise to us,” said De Guzman.
They will donate seven crates of medical supplies, she added.
On Aug. 10-12, the team is set to observe and share knowledge on hospital emergency and laboratory protocols at the Pangasinan Provincial Hospital (PPH) in San Carlos City.
They will also participate in a veterinary medical mission with the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) in 10 various villages in Lingayen on Aug. 10-11.
There will be a pre-surgical screening forum in the morning of Aug. 11 and public health diseases (tuberculosis/TB, leptospirosis, leprosy, and dengue) forum at the Capitol Resort; and environmental sanitation site inspection in identified business establishments in the province in the afternoon.
On the last day of the three-day partnership, the US navy team will join a mobile blood donation at the PPH and an anti-TB drive in Bayambang.
Other activities on Aug. 12 include a feedback meeting of the environmental sanitation engagement group at the PHO conference room; and demonstrations of rapid rabies detection test.
There will also be chemical castration in dogs with the chemical zeuterin, and discussion on the Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (RADDL) and disease prevention in Pangasinan at the Sta. Barbara Provincial Field Office.
Welcome ceremonies for the USNS team will be led by Governor Amado Espino Jr., on August 10 during the flag raising ceremony at the Capitol Plaza.
Espino thanked the navy contingents for coming to Pangasinan as he expressed optimism towards the fruitful partnership by the province with the two navies. (PNA)