Rep. George Arnaiz (Neg. Or., 2nd District) celebrated his 53rd birthday Sunday by conducting a medical mission for hundreds of thousands of indigents in the hinterland barangays of Inawasan, Calicanan and Fatima in Pamplona, Negros Oriental.

Joining in the mission were doctors and consultants of the Integrated Provincial Health Office, in coordination with the Pamplona Rural Health Unit, Amio Community Primary Hospital, Bais City District Hospital, and four private dentists.

Services offered were circumcision, free check-up, haircut, medicines, massage and dental services. Troopers of the 61st and 79th Infantry Battalions of the 303rd brigade were also present.

Arnaiz said he initiated the activity six years ago, when he was governor of the province, and this year, it is a joint undertaking with the province under Gov. Emilio Macias II.

Meanwhile, Arnaiz said the lengthening of the airport runway in Sibulan and Dumaguete depends on the outcome of the feasibility study to be conducted by the Air Transportation Office.

Arnaiz said he is pushing for the widening and strengthening of the airport, but is apprehensive the extension will be towards the sea.

The solon said extending the airport to the east would mean reclaiming the sea which is rich in sea corrals.

The most logical thing to do is extending towards the west but this will also traverse the south national highway which is a residential area, he said.

Arnaiz said he is open to the possibility of establishing another airport if the present one fails to meet the standard requirement for its extension.*JG

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