Reaching out and beyond: From MHAM to Calidngan
All through the years, the Matias H. Aznar Memorial College of Medicine relentlessly upholds its legacy in reaching out to its partner communities to deliver not just the message of hope but a profound act of incessant service to the less fortunate especially in upland areas in the province. To count it on, a pre-Christmas celebration dubbed as “Pasko sa Kabukiran” paved the way for the humble beginning of MHAM CM’s Nutrition Resource and Development Center project last November 30, 2016 in Barangay Calidngan Covered Court, Carcar City, Cebu.
The Launching and MOA Signing was part of MHAM’s Community Extension Services’ institutionalized programs this year with its foremost core to bring health in the hands of partner community residents of the said barangay.
“This noble event is first-ever in the City of Carcar in partnership with the MHAM CM management. It all started with MHAM IT Consultant Mr. Francisco Bacalla who is a resident of this barangay and he cited to me this project in which I fully believe that it will be so beneficial to the Calidngan residents. Without any delay, I immediately shared it to the council and to the mayor and they supported this initiative. This is the beginning of a long journey to all of us and as a City Councilor I can see that the city will benefit from the expertise of MHAM which is a very well-known medical institution”, said Hon. Montesclaros in an interview.
Interview with Carcar City Councilor Rogelio Montesclaros during the Pasko sa Kabukiran in Barangay Calidngan, Carcar City, Cebu
This 57-year old government employee who started into service since 1992 up to the present, also stressed that the Nutrition Resource and Development Center will eventually become an adaptation center for mothers who will be trained to cook vegetables in nutritional way, breaking their traditional practice of cooking vegetables which are unhealthy and out of nutrition.
“This undertaking initiated from a private entity such as MHAM will at least lessen malnutrition in the community and at the same time, at-home mothers will be taught to serve nutritious foods to their children. Likewise, this project will conjoin to nutrition, health, sanitation and agriculture and sooner or later, organic farming will be emphasized. If we have much produced goods already then perhaps these trained people will become entrepreneurs and will no longer be under the dictate of the middle man and people will be empowered. Who knows that they will be taught to turn a tomato into ketchup and a squash will turn into a squash noodle. It will increase economic power in this barangay along with their abundant products to be sold to the lowland areas in the future”, he added.
An act of gratitude and warm welcome: From Carcar to the woman behind the project, descendant-educator Mrs. Elma Aznar-Sierra
As part of the Philippine Councilors League (PCL) and Chair on the Commission on Advocacy, Councilor Montesclaros also pointed out that Carcar City Mayor Nicepuro Apuro and all the Sangguniang Panlungsod members are in all-out support for the said project.
Generally, the City of Carcar is an agricultural Local Government Unit (LGU) but it needs assistance and support with economic facilities, whereby, agriculture must be strengthened and be stabilized for more productivity.
The Launching and MOA Signing for the Nutrition Resource and Development Center took place in the afternoon led by Mrs. Elma Aznar-Sierra whose presence was gratefully welcome by Councilor Montesclaros and Calidngan Barangay Captain Ignacio Ochia in behalf of Carcar City public officials. To signify, Doña Anunciacion Barcenilla’s roots are Carcaranons.
From MHAM to Calidngan: Launching and MOA Signing for the Nutrition Resource and Development Center
Calidngan Barangay Captain Ignacio Ochia in his heart warming welcome
MHAM CM Board of Trustee and Auditor Dr. Carlito Astillero, Dean Dr. Arlene Diaz, SC Governor Datu Nar-Jhun Salik, Carcar City Councilor Rogelio Montesclaros and Calidngan Barangay Captain Ignacio Ochia joined Mrs. Elma Aznar-Sierra during the Launching and MOA Signing.
In his privilege speech, Dr. Carlito Astillero expressed his gratitude in behalf of President Mrs. Elma Aznar-Sierra to the Calidngan residents for the warm welcome and to Mr. Francisco Bacalla who provided the land for the Nutrition Resource and Development Center. He also laid emphasis to the young ones particularly to the Calidngan children the elements of medical education with the hope that such mission will bear fruit for the future generation.
Keeping the MHAM spirit alive and active: Carlito L. Astillero, MD, FPSMID, FASCP, PAFP
This year’s community extension programs are well-supported by the administration and students as well. The whole day event which also includes the Medical Mission and the Shoe Box Project made it more meaningful, a symbol of hope and love to mankind.
Reaching out to the many less fortunate through poverty alleviating actions is MHAM’s lifetime commitment, rooted from the founders’ vision and mission to the great masses. And through the years, every MHAMian takes pride in every humbling mission simply because, WEAREMHAM. From MHAM to Cadlingan, the spirit of oneness keeps the fire burning in reaching out to partner communities even without the aid of seasons! (Ana Liza L. Abao)