“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”

Luke 6:37-38

As we welcome the season of giving, the Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center, National Specialty Center for Dermatology held the second half of its biannual “Skin Research Foundation Medical Mission - Love, Serve, Care.” which catered to more than 300 patients with dermatologic concerns in Payatas, Quezon City. 

This event was particularly significant as it marked the launch of our Skin Cancer Screening Campaign, aligned with our institution's vision of becoming a premier referral center for skin cancer care. The lay forum, which was conducted by Dr. Karla Katrina Cajigal and Dr. Patrick John Castillo, preceded patient registration and featured a lecture on self-evaluation techniques and screening for suspicious lesions, empowering participants with knowledge to identify potential indicators of skin cancer. We were fortunate to have our department Chair, Dr. Ma. Flordeliz Casintahan, provide invaluable insights during these lectures.

Patients were then provided free consultation from our team of dermatology consultants, fellows and residents for various conditions ranging from psoriasis, allergic contact dermatitis, acne, melasma, tinea infection, verruca, discoid lupus erythematosus, and nevus to name a few. Some patients were screened for possible skin malignancy and were then advised for further evaluation and biopsy at our department. 

We sincerely thank our generous sponsors for their invaluable support: Dr. Deo Wong, Dr. Menchu Liwanag, Dr. Noemi Salta, Ruth Abad, Johanna Placido, Amado Abad, Dr. KC Casintahan, Dr. Mark Casintahan, Atty. Leopoldo Abad, Erlinda Abad, Dr. Urgel, Dr. Pabico, Dr. Mendoza, Dr. Villafuerte, Dr. Joy Sayo-Aguiling, Dr. Gerald Serrano, Dr. Joyce Atacador, Dr. Remedios Manuel, Dr. Geraldine Cadacio, Dr. Marisel Abejo, Dr. Catherine Balay, Dr. Ma. Asuncion Mendoza, Dr. Rueben Manuel, Dr. Liezl Rubio, Dr. Katrina Ayson, Dr. Matthew Abad, JRRMMC Department of Dermatology Pre-residents, MCB and Hyalure. 

We would also like to extend our deepest gratitude to those who sent support via medications and in kind: Dr. Elaine Guiterrez, Dr. Elisa Rae Coo, Dr. Joy Sayo- Aguiling, Dr Joy Laurel, Dr. Barlin, Dove, Kusum, Aveeno, EON, Innoderm, Mixexpert, Galderma, Dreamax, RV Group, Dermskin, Jaskin and The Philippine Dermatological Society.

Listening to our patients’ stories and being able to provide the care they need has been a truly inspiring and rewarding experience. Organizing a medical mission in a community with limited access to such services is a privilege, and the gratitude expressed by the patients reminds us of the profound impact we can make.