“You can’t really be present for the people for the people in your life if you aren’t taking care of yourself.”
– Kerry Washington
Health is something that all of us humans inherently have. Generally, it is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. It is something of importance to live our lives.
This is why HAPI-Bulacan took on the initiative to volunteer and show their support in the “Damayan sa Barangay” (Barangay Involvement) event which showcased a medical mission for the community last June 4. With the support of the Bulacan Provincial Office, they provided various medical services including laboratory tests, x-rays, ECGs, and check-ups for seniors, adults, and children. They also have dental and eye check-ups, free haircuts, massages, and anti-rabies vaccines readily available for the community.
Five HAPI-Bulacan members were present during the event to contribute by assisting the community during registration. At the same time, two HAPI volunteers helped the dentists extract teeth, and prepare, and sanitize the dental tools.
“There are still people like HAPI who think about us and are concerned about our welfare and health,” Rhoan Jogos, a volunteer of the event, happily expressed when asked about the event.
This act of volunteerism from HAPI-Bulacan came about when Mutya Valenzuela, HAPI CFO, first met the Dumagat tribe that lives in the mountains of Bulacan. She narrated that aside from education, water, and food, the people also need medical supplies and check-ups. Most residents just die without knowing the cause due to poverty and the hardships of traveling to access the hospital.
After learning of that harrowing reality for the Dumagat community, HAPI-Bulacan took it upon themselves to immerse in medical missions. Valenzuela confirmed that there is another event like this that will be held at Doña Remedios Trinidad municipality for the benefit of the Dumagat tribe.
HAPI-Bulacan expresses its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made the event a successful one including the medical mission committee of the Province of Bulacan with their doctors, nurses, lab technicians, radiologists, utility, and the officers of Brgy. Pinagbakahan. The dedication and commitment to making a difference in the lives of people should be applauded.
A check-up payment in this country is expensive nowadays so events like this can change people’s lives, especially, those who can’t even afford to eat three times a day. Hopefully, this is a start for the government in taking the nation’s health seriously in front of their campaigns.
