1,000 IPs benefit from Duterte-led medical mission

Dubbed the “Pulong-Pulong ni Pulong Medical Mission,” the activity was held in line with the Kadayawan Festival and aimed to bring vital healthcare closer to communities that often struggle to access it. 

Services included free medical and eye check-ups, medicines, packed lunches, food packs, and porridge for patients coming from various barangays in the city.

Eight volunteer doctors took part in the mission — six for general consultations and two for eye examinations — representing PMC-PC Panabo, Tagum Medical City, Adela-Sierra Ty Memorial Medical Center, Davao del Sur Provincial Hospital, Mindanao Medical Foundation College, Davao de Oro Provincial Hospital, and Malta Medical Center.

Beneficiaries expressed their heartfelt thanks to the Dutertes for making the activity possible.

Geraldine Galaw, 44, of Barangay Maa, who availed herself of the free eye check-up, said she had difficulty seeing clearly and welcomed the chance to consult a doctor without expense.

Fhebelyn A. Mohamad, 50, a member of the Kagan tribe from Barangay Waan, said she sought treatment for hypertension and an eye condition that had been troubling her earlier.

“We are truly grateful to Congressional representative Pulong and Vice Mayor Rigo for their programs because they’re a big help to the community in general,” she said.

“Many of us tend to neglect getting checkups. Now that it’s here, ready, and free, all that’s needed is for us to show up,” Mohamad added.

Sixty-seven-year-old Haber Jabbil of Bangkal, a Tausog tribe member, came for both an eye check and a general check-up. 

“Of course, we will have this opportunity because we no longer have to spend money to get a check-up at the hospital.”

Rep. Paolo Duterte said the medical mission is part of the continuing outreach programs of his office and the city government during the Kadayawan Festival.

“Kini nga aktibidad amo gyud ni gibuhat alang sa atong mga kaigsuonang lumad dinhi sa Davao aron kamo naay daling access sa atong medical care,” Vice Mayor Duterte added.

Both officials also thanked the volunteer doctors, nurses, and support staff for their dedication in serving the community. 

“Their selfless contribution has made this mission a success,” Rep. Duterte said.

Aside from the medical mission, Rigo Duterte is also set to visit lumad communities in the hinterlands in the coming weeks.