EXTENDING gratitude can be done in many different ways, the weight of which truly matters when you leave genuine smiles on faces, make people relish good memories, and build strong relationships.
Panay News, in its 43 years of excellence, owes its success to the public for its support, as the Western Visayas’ leading newspaper remains number one in their hearts. In the relentless pursuit of public service inside and outside the newsroom walls, Panay News and Daniel G. Fajardo Foundation Inc. (DGFFI), in partnership with the Iloilo provincial government’s Project Buligay, brought to a chosen community a range of medical services.
This year, at least 500 residents of Barangay Pagsanga-an availed of a free general check-up with medicines, massages, haircuts, circumcisions, and dental extraction and cleaning services. For a general check-up, no less than 150 patients were catered to by volunteer medical professionals; for circumcision, 80; for dental services, 80; for haircuts, 70; and for massage, 60.
Each beneficiary also took home hefty gift packs containing groceries and basic sanitary needs.
Daniel G. Fajardo Foundation Inc. President and Pavia Sangguniang Bayan member Daniel “Dan” Fajardo II said delivering health services is one of the ways to show appreciation for the public’s rallying behind the newspaper’s decades-long success.
Fajardo underscored that beyond providing reliable, accurate, and complete information, whether in printed or digital form, being out in society, too, makes a lasting positive impact.
“Give back to the community; amo ran ang amon kawsa. Indi lang sa pag-report ukon pag-inform, pag-educate halin sa amon newspaper ukon social media; but of course to give service to the community,” Fajardo said.
Adding to the medical mission’s success in making impactful footprints, Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. graced the event for the second time.
In his message, Defensor acknowledged Panay News’ notable role in informing the Ilonggos of the programs and projects of his administration and the provincial government of Iloilo.
“Isa na sa pinaka-importante nga bahin sang aton obra, ang pagpalapnag sa mga pumoluyo kag ang pagpa-intindi sa aton nga mga kasimanwa kag sa sina nga pamaagi makuha naton ang ila kooperayson, kapin pa kon may programa kita nga ginaduso, kapin pa kon may gina-ayu ka sa ila nga kooperasyon,” said Defensor.
Meanwhile, Pagsanga-an barangay captain Efren Casuncad expressed his gratitude to Panay News, Daniel G. Fajardo Foundation, Inc., the Iloilo provincial government, and all the event partners and sponsors.
“Thankful gid ang barangay kay isa kami sa napilian kag kita niyo man kon ano ka kinahanglanon namon ang inyo serbisyo kay halos ang mga pumoluyo ko subong lang sila nakaagom sang sining sahi sang bulig nga medical mission nga kumpleto,” said Casuncad, adding that Panay News and Daniel G. Fajardo Foundation, Inc. are the very first private company and organization to visit Barangay Pagsanga-an to conduct a medical mission.
Willie Guilly, 64, one of the beneficiaries, said the medical mission is a great help, especially to the poor residents because it saves them a trip to the rural health unit.
“Daku gid nga bulig diri sa amon kay kumpleto ang gindala nga serbisyo,” he said.
Meanwhile, Eunela Colas, 68, said she took the opportunity to avail of the free medications and maintenance for her high blood pressure.
“Pasalamat man ako nga nagkadto gid ang Panay News sa amon barangay kay daku gid nga bulig ini sa amon,” she said.
The medical mission organized by Panay News and Daniel G. Fajardo Foundation, Inc. has been another astounding success with the help of the following partners: Iloilo Provincial Health Office, Hospital Management Office, International Pharmaceutical, Inc., the 61st Infantry Hunter Battalion of the Philippine Army, the 52nd Engineer Construction Battalion of the Philippine Army, Jems Barber Salon, and the Barangay Officials of Pagsanga-an.
Furthermore, this year’s effort to contribute to the well-being of communities would also not be possible without the help of corporate sponsors UNILAB, Department of Health Region 6, Iloilo Supermart, JS Layson, Palm Concepcion Power Corp., PHILUSA, San Miguel Brewery Inc., Gardenia, ARC Refreshment Corp., Carlo’s Bakeshop, IBC Construction, Iloilo Central Shoe Emporium Inc., Stronghold Insurance, Crosspoint Paper, Vitarich, Robinsons Place Pavia, Yakult, Dunkin’ Donuts, and Kalbe./PN
