MAGALANG, Pampanga – More than a thousand individuals benefitted in the annual medical mission held by one of the top charitable institutions in Metro Clark area, bringing cheers to residents of underserved communities in Pampanga.
Dr. Irineo “Bong” Alvaro, Jr., chairman of Bridges for Benevolent Initiative Foundation (BBIF) said that the medical mission is aimed at reaching out to “depressed areas” in Magalang town and nearby villages of Concepcion, Tarlac.
BBIF and the Alvaro family also has scholarship programs that had several successful university graduates.
The outreach dubbed as “Kalinga Para sa nga Mahihirap at Maysakit” also had dental check-ups and extraction as well as ECG procedure, laboratory diagnostics (blood chemistry) for the beneficiaries that included residents of Barangays La Paz, San Isidro, Sta. Lucia, San Miguel in Magalang town and Barangay Sto. Nino in Concepcion, Tarlac. It was held at the Fiona United Methodist Church (FUMC) as part of the birthday celebration of Alvaro.
“Sa pakiramdam po namin, hindi po kompleto ang isang taon kung hindi po namin maisagawa ang isang medical mission. At kami po ay nasisiyahan sa pagtulong sa aming kapwa, lalu na sa kanila na hirap sa buhay,” Alvaro said.
Now on its 7th staging, the medical-dental mission is supported by Michigan-based World Medical Relief, Inc., headed by Kapampangan George Samson who also hails from Magalang.
Other sponsors include the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, QuestPhil Diagnostics, Metrosmiles Dental Clinic, Eaglesky, Midori Hotel, Aqua Planet, Mirej Hotel, Fionas Farm and Resort.
Participating medical professionals include: Dr. Froilan Canlas (medical), Dr. Omar Gozun (dental), Dr. Asher Tulabut (Pharmacy), Dr. Del Basa. Some nurses, pharmacists, lab technicians, dental aides also volunteered in the annual outreach program.
Beneficiaries were also given free medicines while some availed of spiritual counseling by ministers of FUMC led by Rev. Alfredo Batac.
