Poor Capiz residents get free medical, dental services
Roxas City -- More than 300 patients from poor families availed of free medical and dental services last February 18 at Barangay Milibili here to help the beneficiaries relieved from their diseases and other health problems.
The one day health service was participated in by medical and dental teams composed of local doctors, dentists, nurses, and volunteers who treated patients that were mostly from the Gawad Kalinga (GK) Holy Family Village.
Dr. Samuel Delfin, Provincial Health Office Medical Specialist IV, led the medical team while Dr. Evangeline Amaba supervised the dental practitioners group.
The activity is in line with the GK's health program that aims to instill clean and hygienic surroundings to avoid diseases. Other health related activities of the program include vaccination, training of residents in hygiene and first aid, and addressing malnutrition.
GK Provincial Coordinator Mamerto Rosano said that a series of values formation seminar had been conducted to introduce stewardship, accountability, cooperation, team effort, unity, and community spirit among GK residents.
Also, a 'Kapitbahayan' Neighborhood Association was organized to eventually empower the poor families and become responsible neighbors towards a peaceful, beautiful and productive GK community, added Rosano.
The health mission was sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Roxas City, Inc. with the support of the Capiz provincial government.
Provincial Tourism Officer and GK caretaker team member Alfonso Bediones, Jr., who is an officer of Kiwanis Club said the activity was a concerted effort of the officers and members of their club, even as he acknowledged the contribution of other sectors.
The local GK team is continually promoting the spirit of volunteerism and sharing among the various sectors of the province to build more homes in addition to the initial six new houses turned over to family-beneficiaries last December.
(A. Lumaque/PIA)