ILOILO — The multipurpose gym of Barangay Ungka 1, Pavia, Iloilo came alive with the spirit of bayanihan as nearly 500 of its residents benefited from a free comprehensive medical mission organized by Panay News and the Daniel G. Fajardo Foundation, Inc. (DGFFI), on Saturday, March 21.
The initiative serves as a major kickoff for the 45th anniversary of Panay News this April, reinforcing Western Visayas’ number one regional newspaper’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and community service.
The medical mission was conducted in partnership with the Iloilo Provincial Government’s Project Buligay, spearheaded by Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr.
This collaboration brought together resources from various sectors dedicated to improving healthcare gaps for underserved families in the municipality.
Residents accessed a wide array of services, including general medical check-ups and consultations, specialized eye examinations, dental health assessments, random blood sugar testing and ECGs, and even complimentary haircuts to help residents feel their best.
Volunteer doctors and nurses, and other volunteers worked tirelessly, providing expert consultations and compassion to the beneficiaries.
“Today, we gather not only as a community but as a family united by compassion and care, and this mission is a celebration of our shared commitment to health, wellness, and Ilonggo pride,” said said Leah Fajardo, Panay News marketing manager.
She added: “Ang Panay News indi ma-complete ang anniversary without its corporate social responsibility or community outreach through this medical mission. Paagi sa dedication sang aton volunteers, partners, and medical professionals, we hope to bring health healing, comfort, and hope sa kada isa nga nagtambong.”
The impact was best expressed by the beneficiaries themselves. Barangay Ungka 1 captain Ludovico Alfaro, who also availed of a check-up, praised the initiative.
“Dako gid ini sa amon nga bagay sa nga napilian kami sang Panay News… Dako gid ini nga bulig sa amon kay damo sang amon nga pamuluyo ang ma-cater kag complete man sa mga bulong nga ginapanghatag kag isa man ako ka beneficiary kay nagpa-check-up man ako sa akon nga ginabatyag. Ginadayaw ko gid ining buluhaton ka Panay News,” Alfaro said.
For 80-year-old Leonora Osa from Barangay Anilao, the mission was a godsend. “Salamat gid sa Panay News sa libre nga check-up sa mata kag pa-antipara,” she shared.
For younger residents like 18-year-old Kyle, the mission provided a rare opportunity to save on costs. “Dako gid nga opportunity kay para maka-save bala kaysa magkadto ka sa clinic for dental work,” he noted.
Meanwhile, Janice Beniten, a mother of two, expressed relief at the free haircuts provided just in time for her children’s moving-up ceremonies.
“Gapasalamat gid ako nga may libre nga haircut, mas maka-less kami kay ma-moving up sila sa Byernes. Ang gamay ko Kinder 1 kag ang isa Kinder 2,” she said.
For her part, Jonalie Malatag, 43, said, “Very lucky gid kami nga ari di ang Panay News to give us medical services such as mga random blood sugar testing, general check-up, dental, may free haircut pa sila. Tani sa sunod maka-avail pa kami from these services sa Panay News, very much thankful gid kami nga ara ang Panay News nga ga-hold activities nga helpful gid sa tawo.”
Pavia’s Sangguniang Bayan member Dan Fajardo II lauded the synergy between the provincial government and private entities.
“Gusto ko pasalamatan ang provincial government naton headed sang pinalangga ta nga Gobernador Toto Defensor. Ang Iloilo Province naging partner gid sang Panay News, hapos lang gid palapitan. Kag salamat gid sa Project Buligay kag sa tanan naton nga volunteers kag partners nga ari subong kag nag-upod sa ini nga inisyatibo para sa aton pamuluyo,” SB Fajardo said.
The success of the mission was made possible through an extensive list of partners, sponsors, and volunteers, including J. S. Layson & Co., Iloilo Supermart, Carlo’s Bakeshop, the Iloilo Volunteer Emergency Response Team (IVERT), MORE Power, Sunpride, Barangay Ungka I council and health workers, the 604th Community Defense Center of the Philippine Army, Fraco Vision Center, Petron Mali-ao, International Pharmaceutical , Inc. (IPI), PHILUSA Corporation, JM Pharmacy, Fremont Dialysis Center, and Alpha Phi Omega (APO)-Pavia Chapter.
As Panay News nears its 45th year, this medical mission stands as a testament to its motto: delivering “service from the heart.”/PN
