Children and the elderly were among those who received free medicines during the medical mission on April 22, 2019. /Contributed Photo
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Just as the Holy Week began this year, Liezel Bongcawil’s common-law partner was advised that he will no longer have his daily-wage mason’s job to go back to after the break. With a one-year-old child to tend at home, Liezel herself couldn’t work outside of their home in Barangay Balud, San Fernando town. So, their family of seven had to dip far into their meager savings to make both ends meet.
Bongcawil says they barely had enough for food and there was nothing left to spend on medication for herself and her children James, 6, and Gabriela, 3 who were sick with cough and colds.
Thus, it was a relief for her to have been chosen as one of the beneficiaries of the Mabuhay Filcement, Inc. Medical Mission in Barangay Balud on April 22, 2019.
“Dako kaayong tabang ang gihatag nilang tambal, apil na ang pakonsulta, kay wala baya mi’y ikapalit karong panahona. Pinaagi niini, naglaum ko nga maayo intawn ni’ng among ubo,” Bongcawil explained. (The free medicines are a big help, and even the free consultation, since we cannot afford to spend for these at this time. I hope this will help ease our cough.”
Bongcawil and her neighbor, Joy Entera, were among the 286 patients who availed of free doctors’ consultations and medicines during the medical mission.
Among the common complaints were hot-weather ailments such as cough, colds, fever and tonsillitis. These patients were given medication and vitamins. The elderly came in with iron and mineral deficiencies and were given vitamin and mineral supplements.
Ester Cornelio, who leads Balud’s Barangay Health Workers, said that any assistance for health-related concerns are most welcome.
“We are grateful that Mabuhay Filcement, Inc. has extended this service to our constituents. We look forward to an even stronger partnership for other development efforts in the future,” said Barangay Captain Jeevan Kin Enad.
The mission is part of Mabuhay Filcement’s corporate social responsibility programs. Community outreach initiatives are currently being streamlined to support and enhance ongoing private and government sector efforts in public health, education and the environment.
Mabuhay Filcement, a homegrown manufacturing company, has its production plant in San Fernando, Cebu. It contributes to nation-building by producing high-quality, reasonably-priced cement in support of a continuously growing economy. At the same time, it promotes countryside development through employment and community outreach activities. /dcb