InSites by: Josephine Codilla, PhD
The Lingkod Timog Foundation, a non-governmental organization established in 2005, in partnership with the Philippine Marine Corps Foundation Inc. (PMCFI), successfully conducted a two-day Medical Civic Assistance Program (MEDCAP), on March 1 and 2, 2025, benefiting communities in Zamboanga del Norte and the outskirts of Zamboanga City.
The first day of the mission took place in Barangay Lintangan, Sibuco, Zamboanga del Norte, spearheaded by the Marine Battalion Landing Team-6 headed by Lt. Col. Romulo G. Dimayuga II. During this mission, Lingkod Timog provided 1,900 essential services to the primarily Subanen residents of the area.
On the second day, the mission moved to Barangay Tolosa, Zamboanga City, led by the Marine Battalion Landing Team-1 under Lt. Col. Nepthalie Papa. A total of 9,072 services were delivered, benefiting over 2,000 residents, further expanding the foundation’s reach and impact on communities particularly in Southern Philippines.
This year, under the leadership of LtGen Juancho Sabban and Executive Director Irene Covarubbias Sabban, Lingkod Timog has made significant strides in serving these communities. The foundation extends its heartfelt gratitude to the volunteers who traveled from various parts of the Philippines, and even as far as the United States and Tuguegarao, Cagayan, to participate. The tradition of volunteering for Lingkod Timog missions has become a meaningful experience for many of us.
Lingkod Timog also acknowledges the invaluable support of its partners and sponsors, including M. Abubakar Construction and Engineering, Inc., Singleton Club, Mindanao Central Sanitarium, S7S Agency, Estrella Foundation Inc., Singleton Cares, TLNOTF Inc., Zamboanga Emergencia Responde Operativo, JA Petrol Gas Station, Rotary Club of Makati Ayala Triangle, Edwin Andrews Air Base Hospital, Service Support Battalion of the Philippine Marine Corps, I Can Therapy Center, Kiwanis International, Go Share, Klasrums ng Pag-asa, McDonald’s, Municipality of Sibuco, City Government of Zamboanga, Camp Navarro General Hospital, Barangay of Lintangan, Barangay of Tolosa. Special thanks are extended to all groups and individuals who contributed to the success of this mission.
As a personal note, I began participating in Lingkod Timog missions a few years ago, and I have joined the foundation in its missions in Tawi-Tawi and Palawan. Many of my fellow volunteers include retired AFP officials, their families, and medical practitioners from the U.S. This year, my primary role involved organizing book donations, reading, and storytelling sessions. This year, I was fortunate to secure 300 books from my Rotary Club of Makati Ayala Triangle, with the help of Governor Prescy Yulo, our District 3830 Governor.
We were also supported by a U.S. Marines special operatives, whose presence added excitement, especially during the storytelling sessions. The children were captivated by the Americans, whom they had only seen on television or social media, bringing the stories to life with their animated actions.
Looking ahead, I am excited for the next Lingkod Timog mission in 2026. Our goal remains to reach even the most remote islands in Southern Philippines, continuing the work we have done over the years.
Kudos to Lingkod Timog and our steadfast partners, the Marine Battalion Landing Teams of the Philippine Marine Corps!
