Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. on Friday led a multi-agency outreach mission in the island municipality of Balabac, Palawan, bringing government services and humanitarian aid to one of the country’s southernmost and most isolated communities.
The activity, branded as the “All-in-One Bayanihan,” was organized in coordination with Go Share Philippines, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Tactical Operations Wing West of the Philippine Air Force, and the local government of Balabac.
Despite persistent rain and logistical challenges, the team delivered school supplies, food packs, clean water systems, and mobility aids to local residents. Among the donations were “Project Aral” school kits from National Book Store, food items from Century Pacific Foods through the RSPO Foundation, water filters from Waves for Water, and wheelchairs from Go Share Philippines.
During the program, Secretary Teodoro said the government intends to establish a permanent health center in Balabac, reducing the need for residents to travel to Puerto Princesa for basic medical needs. He said the administration aims to shift from temporary and sporadic assistance to sustained infrastructure development in remote areas.
“Balabac needs consistent services, not occasional outreach,” Mr. Teodoro said in a public address. “Our goal is to build permanent structures and programs that stay beyond a single visit.”
The outreach also highlighted the military’s role in extending state presence in areas far from the capital. The Philippine Air Force facilitated air support for the transport of supplies and personnel, underscoring the logistical importance of the military in delivering aid to underserved island communities.
Senior military officials joined the activity, including Philippine Air Force Commanding General Lt. Gen. Arthur M. Cordura, AFP Western Command Chief Vice Admiral Alfonso F. Torres Jr., and Tactical Operations Wing West Commander Brig. Gen. Erick Q. Escarcha. Balabac Mayor Shuaib J. Astami and Go Share Philippines Co-Founder Noel Gonzalez also attended the event.
Balabac, located at the southern tip of Palawan and close to the maritime borders of Malaysia, has long faced limited access to public health, education, and other basic services. The area has also gained strategic significance due to its proximity to the West Philippine Sea, a region marked by ongoing territorial tensions.