From exercises to impact: DND, NOLCOM serve Laoac community
LAOAC, Pangasinan — Farmers and residents of Laoac received vital support on March 17 as the Department of National Defense (DND), the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Local Government Unit of Laoac rolled out a community outreach mission at the Laoac Municipal Hall.
The activity included the turnover of agricultural equipment to local farmers and the delivery of medical and dental services to residents, as part of ongoing efforts to bring government services closer to communities while strengthening civil-military cooperation on the ground.
The mission was witnessed by Secretary of National Defense Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr., who emphasized that activities conducted by the military in local communities should always deliver real and lasting benefits to the people.
“We make sure that we leave the community better than when we first entered — in terms of how we can best help, build up resilience, and see where we can assist in healthcare and other gaps,” Sec. Teodoro said.
He added that military exercises from NOLCOM should not simply be conducted for their own sake, but should also be carried out with minimal disruption and with meaningful outcomes for host communities.
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Sec. Teodoro also noted that direct engagement with local government units helps the DND better understand local conditions, allowing for stronger coordination in times of calamities and disasters. These consultations, he said, help identify service gaps and improve preparedness, response, and delivery of assistance during emergencies.
The outreach in Laoac reflects the Defense Department’s continuing commitment to initiatives that improve community well-being, support local livelihoods, and ensure that government presence is felt not only in security operations, but in practical service to the people.