From MHAM to Calidngan: Pasko sa Kabukiran Season 2
A pre-Christmas celebration dubbed as “Pasko sa Kabukiran” was successfully held in an upland partner community on its second year in Barangay Calidngan, Carcar City, Cebu last November 30, 2017 from 8:00 in the morning until 4:30 in the afternoon.
From Calidngan to MHAM
Spearheaded by the Community Extension Services Office (CESO) with its Director, Mr. Jarvis Prochina, the MHAM team was composed of medical doctors, residents, administrative staff, students and non-teaching employees who joined force for another season of love and gift-giving.
MHAM Medical Mission: Legacy with love
A half-day medical mission with fifteen MHAM doctors and sixteen aspiring doctors was conducted at Calidngan Elementary School while the whole afternoon was dedicated for the Shoe Box Project initiated by the Student Council as their annual project of a thousand boxes for a thousand children.
Shoe Box Project: A thousand boxes for a thousand children
31-year old Lelevic Zafra of Varsalaluz, Calidngan, Carcar City expressed her gratitude for the lay forum on breast cancer which was facilitated by MHAM Chief of Clinics, Dr. Axel L. Elises. The said forum was well-participated by the women-residents who availed the pap smear test.
With Lelevic Zafra of Varsalaluz, Calidngan, Carcar City…
“Mapasalamaton gyud ko kay karon pa ko nakasinati nga adunay seminar dinhi kabahin sa kanser sa totoy. Wa pa pud ko nakapa-papsmer sukad masukad maong dili gyud palabyon ang kahigayunan (I am grateful because this is my first time to experience a seminar on breast cancer which has been conducted here. I haven’t been screened on pap smear ever since so I won’t take this opportunity to pass”, said this cheerful mother who was one of the forum’s participants.
Lay Forum on Breast Cancer facilitated by MHAM Chief of Clinics, Dr. Axel Elises…
This year’s medical mission was centered on cervical screening through pap smear test spearheaded by the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology faculty-doctors, minor surgeries and consultation. Thirteen patients availed the free minor surgeries.
Minor surgeries and pap smear tests (top) and consultations to adult and children (below)
With Calidngan Elementary School Head, Mrs. Mariton Baldespiñosa in an interview…
Meanwhile the Calidngan Elementary School Head, Mrs. Mariton Baldespiñosa, could not contain her happiness and gratitude for the half day event dedicated for the children through the Shoe Box Project initiated by the Student Council. Out of one thousand boxes, nine hundred sixty-three school children gathered at the Calidngan Covered Court from Pit-os, Lunas, Sacsac and Calidngan Elementary Schools with lit faces, brought home their early Christmas presents prepared by the Student Body. A feeding program with parlor games along with different prizes completed the significant event.
“It is really an inspiration to all of us that MHAM is here once again with effort, time and love especially on the part of the children who were very happy. We are very thankful to MHAM despite the fact that our area is inaccessible to vehicles and we will always be grateful”, said Mrs. Baldespiñosa in an interview.
Calidngan, an upland barangay in Carcar City, has been chosen by MHAM CESO’s institutionalized programs with its main thrust to put health in the hands of the people through the Nutrition Research Center Project in response to malnutrition issues especially in rural areas. Last year’s Pasko sa Kabukiran paved the way for the humble beginning of the Nutrition Resource and Development Center through a MOA signing after MHAM Assistant Vice President for Administration Mr. Francisco Bacalla who is also a native of Calidngan provided a parcel of land for the said project.
Give love on Christmas…
Rooted from its mission to share and care for the less fortunate much more in a season of gift-giving, the MHAM Askleptian Circle also donated school supplies to the school children which were received by the elementary faculty members who were present.
Just Love:The MHAM Askleptian Circle
Gracing this year’s Pasko sa Kabukiran includes MHAM CESO Director, Mr. Jarvis Prochina; HR Director, Mr. Pedro Pañares; AVP for Administration, Mr. Francisco Bacalla; VP for Academics, Dr. Arlene Diaz; College Dean, Dr. Ma. Socorro Manaloto, College Registrar, Dr. Luditha Lumapat-Pe and other faculty members who dedicated their time for a more meaningful outreach program.
We are MHAM
In addition, two registered nutritionists from the Philippine Association of Nutrition, Inc. (PAN, Inc.) Cebu Chapter represented by Ms. Anya Martinez and Ms. Justinne Lou Go graced the event with PAN’s objective to reach out to grassroots community by teaching at-home mothers to serve healthy and nutritious snacks for their children. They presented their nutritious peanut butter balls recipe in front of attending mothers along with their children during the 2-session demonstration.
Registered nutritionists Ms. Anya Martinez and Ms. Justinne Lou Go from PAN, Inc. Cebu Chapter with their nutritious peanut butter balls
The whole day pre-Christmas celebration was also facilitated by the Calidngan Elementary School teachers, Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) and Barangay Captain Hon. Ignacio S. Ochia.
MHAMen of the hour: Games-facilitator, Ivan Fernandez and event-host, HR Director Mr. Pedro Pañares with their fun-filled moments
Hosted by HR Director, Mr. Pedro Pañares, the Shoe Box Project was facilitated by the Student Council officers whose preparation from planning, packing and distributing of gifts to an overwhelming number of school children have made their year-end project more memorable. All through the years, MHAM is keeping its legacy with its various services from life-saving to life-changing mission bringing hope to the most needy particularly in the season where love and sharing is all about. (Ana Liza Abao)