LA PAZ, Magalang – 65-year-old Elena Reyes of Sta. Lucia Resettlement pedaled more than 3 kilometers from her house to reach the medical mission of the Bridges of Benevolent Initiative Foundation, Inc. here on Saturday. For unknown reasons, she was already refused treatment at a hospital in Magalang town for her hypertension and elevated sugar level.
Reyes, who braved the searing summer sun, left her tri-bike at the frontyard of the Fiona United Methodist Church in Barangay La Paz, Magalang and registered for the free treatment and medicines. She is only one of the more than 1,000 patients awaiting medical attention.
BBI President Dr. Irineo Alvaro Jr. said the BBI Foundation had been extending medical and dental mission for the past eight years. The beneficiaries are coming from Barangays La Paz, San Isidro, Sta. Lucia and San Miguel.
Alvaro said medicines for hypertension and diabetes were donated by the US-based World Medical Relief led by Kapampangan George Samson. Vitamin C chewables will also be given to kids, according to Alvaro, who was celebrating his birthday.
Alvaro said his companies earmark two percent of its earnings to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities such as the medical and dental mission each year. The BBI Foundation also extended free ECG examination.
Filipino-American Del Basa, a paramedic from Ohio, USA, has also extended his free services to the people of Magalang at the BBI Foundation medical mission. “We have to do more. That’s what our parents taught us, to give back to the people,” according to Basa. Basa’s father Arturo Basa hails from Sasmuan, Pampanga while his late mother Africa Basa is originally from Angeles City. Basa said he will support the BBI Foundation medical mission in the coming years.
Two other doctors – Dr. Froilan Canlas, Internist; and Dr. Omar Gozun, dentist – have also extended free services at the medical mission. Doctor of Pharmacy Asher Tulabot of the Medical City Clark and his team of pharmacists from Davao City have also extended their assistance.
The BBI Foundation launched the “Kalinga Para sa Mahihirap at Maysakit” medical and dental mission in coordination with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), World Medical Relief, Metro Smiles Dental Specialist, Ques Phil Diagnostics, MIREJ Resort Hotel, Fiona’s Farm, Midori, Aqua Planet, and I-Drink.