Service becomes truly meaningful when it goes beyond fulfilling one’s duty to the nation and creates opportunities to help others and inspire hope in those in need. Putting this commitment into action, the Sorsogon 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC) R-PSB Team Santa Cruz, led by Police Chief Master Sergeant Alfonso J. Salvante, in close coordination with the Barangay Council of Santa Cruz, Donsol, Sorsogon, helped two young persons with disabilities, Yhael R. Cellon, 7, and Rhon Adriel L. Fernan, 2, obtain prosthetic legs to improve their mobility.
The initiative began during the Needs Assessment Survey (NAS) in May 2026, when the team identified the two children during its house-to-house visits. On July 3, 2026, the team visited their homes and interviewed their families to assess their needs and facilitate appropriate assistance.
The team subsequently accompanied the beneficiaries to the Rural Health Unit of Donsol for initial medical check-ups on July 14, followed by orthopedic consultations at the Bicol Regional Hospital and Medical Center on August 6 and 11, 2026. The R-PSB Team also coordinated with Simon of Cyrene in Bañag, Daraga, Albay, to complete the medical referrals and requirements for the prosthetic legs.
To help cover the costs, the team sought financial assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Satellite Office in Sorsogon City and the Municipal Government of Donsol. Each child received Php15,000 from the DSWD, Php5,000 from the Municipal Government of Donsol through the Office of Municipal Mayor Hon. Ralph Walter G. Lubiano, and Php1,500 from the Office of the Municipal Vice Mayor. This financial assistance significantly helped cover the cost of each prosthetic leg, which amounted to Php21,071. The team also helped shoulder expenses related to the processing of the beneficiaries’ prosthetic requirements.
On September 1, the team accompanied the children to Simon of Cyrene for prosthetic leg measurements and fitting. With the continued support of Barangay Captain Arlon A. Pendor and the Barangay Council of Santa Cruz, the beneficiaries underwent final fitting and initial practice sessions on September 22 and 25, 2026.
On October 2, 2026, the two children received their prosthetic legs and began practicing how to use them, marking a significant milestone toward improved mobility. This initiative highlights the commitment of the R-PSB Team Santa Cruz to translating needs identified through the NAS into meaningful assistance through collaboration with government agencies, local officials, medical institutions, and other stakeholders.
This effort reflects the spirit of Serbisyong Nararamdaman, the PNP’s mantra of compassionate and responsive police service. It demonstrates how coordinated action can help vulnerable members of the community overcome challenges and work toward a better quality of life. Through initiatives like this, the Nation’s Peacekeepers, led by Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., Chief, PNP, continue to extend their service beyond law enforcement and bring hope to those who need it most.
