PHOTOS BY AJ PALCULLO
NEARLY 500 residents of Pavia, Iloilo benefited from a medical mission spearheaded by Panay News in partnership with the Daniel G. Fajardo Foundation, Inc. (DGFFI) on March 21, 2026 at the multi-purpose gym in Barangay Ungka I.
The initiative, part of Panay News’ 45th anniversary celebration, underscored the publication’s commitment to service beyond journalism by bringing essential healthcare services directly to underserved communities.
Supported by the Iloilo Provincial Government through Project Buligay, the medical mission offered a wide range of services, including general medical consultations, eye and dental check-ups, health screenings, and free haircuts.
Volunteer doctors, dentists, nurses, and support staff worked throughout the day to attend to residents, many of whom had limited access to regular healthcare services.
leading the effort. Many residents lined up to receive them.
Leah Fajardo, Panay News marketing manager, highlighted the deeper purpose of the initiative, emphasizing its role in strengthening community ties and promoting wellness.
“Today, we gather not only as a community, but as a family united by compassion and care. This mission is a celebration of our shared commitment to health, wellness, and Ilonggo pride. Indi kompleto ang anibersaryo sang Panay News without its corporate social responsibility pinaagi sa ini nga medical mission. Paagi sa dedikasyon sang aton volunteers, partners, kag medical professionals, ginalauman namon nga madala namon ang kaayuhan, comfort, kag paglaum sa kada isa nga nagpaabot sini,” Fajardo said.
Local leaders echoed the significance of the outreach. Barangay Ungka I captain Ludovico Alfaro expressed gratitude for the services extended to his constituents, noting the tangible benefits received by residents.
“Dako gid ini nga bulig sa amon barangay. Damo sang amon pamuluyo ang naka-avail sang serbisyo kag bulong. Isa man ako ka benepisyaryo sang check-up, gani ginadayaw ko gid ini nga buluhaton sang Panay News. Kabay pa nga padayon ini kag tagaan pa gid sila sang kusog kag malawig nga kabuhi para sa dugang nga serbisyo,” Alfaro said.
Pavia’s Sangguniang Bayan member Daniel Fajardo II also commended the collaboration, citing the importance of partnerships in delivering grassroots services.
“Ari kita subong nga nagtiniripon para sa isa ka maayo nga katuyuan — ang paghatag serbisyo sa aton kasimanwa. Nagapasalamat ako sa Panay News kag sa Iloilo Provincial Government, ilabi na kay Gov. Toto Defensor, sa ila suporta pinaagi sa Project Buligay. Dako gid ini nga bulig sa aton komunidad,” he said.
Beneficiaries such as Jonalie Malatag and Leonora Osa likewise expressed appreciation, sharing how the free services eased their financial burden and improved access to healthcare.
The success of the medical mission was made possible through the collective efforts of various partners, sponsors, and volunteers. Among them were J. S. Layson & Co., Iloilo Supermart, Carlo’s Bakeshop, the Iloilo Volunteer Emergency Response Team (IVERT), MORE Power, Sunpride, Barangay Ungka I Council and barangay 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 the Alpha Phi Omega (APO)-Pavia Chapter.
who conduct medical checkups.
Beyond delivering immediate medical assistance, the initiative highlighted the power of collaboration between media, government, and private sectors in addressing community needs.
As Panay News celebrates 45 years of journalism, the medical mission stands as a testament to its enduring commitment to public service — living up to its mission of delivering not only news, but also “service from the heart.”/PN
