The Open Heart Foundation Worldwide Inc. celebrated its 30th Founding Anniversary this August 2022. With the theme, ‘OHF’s 30th: Reliving the Bayanihan Spirit Amidst the Pandemic,’ Medical and Dental Missions were conducted in the three main groups of islands in the country: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. These missions were undertaken in partnership with the respective local government units in the three identified locations.
For Luzon, it was held at Barangay Madatag, Kabugao, Apayao on August 11, 2022 benefitting 300 residents (150 adults and 150 children). Residents from Bgy Madatag and four other barangays were identified by the Health Workers of the Rural Health Unit as recipients of said services. Medical personnel from Apayao Provincial Hospital and Conner District Hospital, together with OHF volunteer physicians Dr. Daniel John Perez, Dr. Janica Caye Posadas, and Dr. Janela Aubrey Palce served as physicians during the missions.
For Visayas, the medical and dental mission was held at Barangay Blumentritt Murcia, Negros Occidental on September 8, 2022. The Municipal Health Office, headed by Dr. Raymund Antonio Maguad served together with their medical team composed of 2 physicians, 15 nurses, and 4 midwives. The Provincial Health Office thru Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson and Dr. Ernell Tumimbang tapped six volunteer dentists and one dental aide. Three hundred recipients (150 adults and 150 children) from Barangay Blumentritt, the largest barangay in the municipality benefitted from the activity.
For Mindanao, the service project took place in Barangay Magkalungay, an Indigenous People’s community in San Fernando Bukidnon on August 31, 2022. A total of 200 residents (100 adults and 100 children) were the recipients of the medical mission. The Provincial Health Office, headed by Dr. Maria Algerlina Edma served during the mission together with their rural and barangay health workers.
Local Government partners in the three areas provided medical and dental volunteers including transportation. Military armed men also accompanied the Open Heart team in San Fernando, Bukidnon to ensure their safety. Free medical consultations and medicines were provided to those in need. Dental services include free dental examinations, tooth extraction, and oral health education.
The LGUs thanked the Open Heart Foundation for choosing their areas in the conduct of the medical and dental missions. These activities reflected the “BAYANIHAN spirit, a ‘spirit of civic unity and cooperation among Filipinos. The Open Heart Foundation worked closely with these government agencies/ offices in bringing basic health services to children and their families.
All for God’s glory.
