A TOTAL of 787 residents of Semirara Island in Caluya, Antique benefited from the one-day joint medical mission conducted by the St. Padre Pio Contemplative Prayer Group-Bacolod City (SPPCPG-Bacolod), Semirara Mining and Power Corporation (SMPC) and the Barangay Local Government Units (BLGUs) on August 20, 2022.
The 39-strong medical team consisted of volunteer doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals, with 32 from SPPCPG-Bacolod and seven from SMPC Infirmary. Free medical services included pediatric check-ups, eye and other general consultations, while 15 minor surgeries involved the excision of lymphoma, sebaceous cysts as well as breast mass. Vitamin supplements, maintenance medicines, and eyeglasses were also distributed for free.
SMPC provided an accessible venue, free laboratory expenses, additional medicines and supplies, as well as the visiting mission team’s housing, accommodation, and transportation.
“Those who availed the medical mission belong to the vulnerable and economically disadvantaged sectors, like senior citizens, children, and members of their coastal fishing community. Although basic health services are available on the island, the augmentation of medical services by SMPC and private groups like SPPCPG-Bacolod are always welcome,” Liga President/Barangay Captain Catherine “Kikai” Lim of Barangay Semirara said.
BLGU Semirara provided free transportation for the beneficiaries to and from the venue.
SMPC, together with the BLGUs Barangay Health Workers and staff, were all hands on deck to assist in making the event successful and ensuring that COVID-19 health protocols were properly observed.
Making a difference
Dr. Norma Legislador, founder of SPPCPG-Bacolod, explained that the event marked their group’s first medical mission since the COVID-19 pandemic and is part of the advanced commemoration of the feast day of St. Padre Pio on September 23.
Michael Sta. Maria of Barangay Alegria was among the minor surgery patients. Several sebaceous cysts on his body were excised by SPPCPG-Bacolod’s surgeon, Dr. Jundad Legislador, who was assisted by SMPC Infirmary’s Dr. Paul Jude Melsam Aquino and nurses.
“It is very rewarding to make a difference in other people’s lives. You know that by leaving your comfortable house and clinic for three days, traveling 14 hours by land and sea, performing surgery for 30 minutes that will solve someone’s long-term health problem, that thought alone will make you feel good,” said Dr. Jundad.
Another resident, Roseller Domingo of Barangay Tinogboc said that the medical mission eased the burden on his family for needed prescription medicines and supplements.
“Nagpapasalamat ako dahil isa ako sa maraming natulungan. Pati asawa ko nakapagpasukat ng mata,” he added.
SMPC maintains and operates a 15-bed infirmary with basic and ancillary medical services such as laboratory, x-ray, dental, and pharmacy on Semirara Island. It also provides free medical consultation services to the local residents.
This year, SMPC celebrates its 25th anniversary since the acquisition and management control by parent company DMCI Holdings, Inc. in 1997./PN
