The Villar Social Institute for Poverty Alleviation and Governance (SIPAG) held a medical/ dental mission and feeding activity for residents of Gasangan, Baseco, Bgy. 649, Manila.
The activity coincided with the celebration of the 78th anniversary of DZRH, the country’s oldest surviving radio station.
Senator Cynthia Villar, Director of Villar SIPAG; Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources; Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food joined key officials of DZRH and MBC in the celebration, together with representatives from different line agencies such as the Department of Health (DoH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
“Poverty alleviation is the heart of Villar SIPAG and it gives us great pleasure to be supporting and taking part in this anniversary activity of DZRH, which is known for its long-running and credible news broadcasts and its mission to serve our fellow Filipinos,” Villar said.
Activities included a medical and dental mission, feeding program, ceremonial stocking of fingerlings, turnover of postharvest equipment, coastal cleanup and mangrove planting.
A highlight of the celebration was the ceremonial stocking of fingerlings and the turnover of postharvest equipment led by BFAR 1V-A. BFAR has provided the fingerlings for the benefit of the fisherfolk residing in the area.
A smoke house has been provided to ensure increased marketability and profitability of the harvests while a trainor from BFAR conducted a demonstration on the proper use of the donated equipment.
Around 500 patients were seen by doctors from the Philippine Air Force and other private volunteer doctors for the medical mission. Villar SIPAG took care of the medications administered to the patients.
The Dental Mission conducted dental check-ups and treatments to at least 100 patients. Villar SIPAG provided the supplies and medications for this leg of the activity.
An estimated 200 individuals, on the other hand, benefited from the feeding program with Villar SIPAG providing the healthy and nutritious meals.
A massive coastal clean-up and mangrove planting was also done with the help of around 300 volunteers. Villar SIPAG provided the materials and refreshment for the volunteers and other individuals who joined the clean-up and mangrove planting.
As part of its anniversary celebration and through its “Makabagong Bayanihan” program, DZRH has partnered with public and private organizations to underscore its commitment to public service via a series of events focusing on public health this month.