Whatever you do to the least of my brothers, so you do unto Me” (Matthew 25: 31-46).
The Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center Department of Dermatology, in cooperation with the Skin Research Foundation of the Philippines (SRF) and the Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS), conducted its medical mission with the Aeta community of Sitio Target Brgy. Sapangbato, Angeles, Pampanga on November 16, 2019.
Dr. Ma. Flordeliz Abad-Casintahan, our beloved chairperson and president of the Skin Research Foundation, opened the event by welcoming everyone and expressing our heartfelt thanks to the community for the opportunity to serve them. This was followed by a skin care lecture by Dr. Melissa Joy Ong (first year resident) and Dr. Joseph Tayag (preresident) to which the patients learned ways to prevent some of their common skin problems.
A total of 200 Aeta children and adults received free consultations, procedures like cautery, medicines, hygiene kits, and snacks. Before the medical mission ended, a touching intermission number was prepared by the high school students of Sitio Target school not only to showcase their talents but also to express their genuine happiness and appreciation to their guests. The department is very grateful and is always looking forward to opportunities such as this to reach out and bring our service closer to our countrymen especially to the indigineous community. It warms and fills our hearts to share our blessings, spread hope, and kindness inspiring us to be better and compassionate physicians. Everyone went home filled with joy, being able to love, serve and care our Aeta kababayans.
Special thanks to the school principal Mr. Lucky Paul, school teachers Teacher Jenny and Teacher Geraldine, school helpers and cook, barangay captain, barangay secretary, and the rest of the Barangay Sitio's police task force for your hospitality and for helping us organize and deliver a successful medical mission.
*Photos posted with permission
