SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) – The Civil Service Commission (CSC) Region 1 organized a medical mission for underprivileged individuals at the Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University-South La Union Campus (DMMMSU-SLUC) in Agoo, La Union, on September 12.
Around 32 underprivileged clients, including personnel from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Field Office 1’s Home for Girls in the town, benefited from the medical services provided.
The services offered included medical screenings and check-ups, dental care, the distribution of vitamins, medicines, and vaccines, and mental health and psychosocial support.
The CSC Region 1 also distributed hygiene and first aid kits, clothing, school supplies, and food items, further extending their support to the beneficiaries’ immediate needs.
CSC Region 1 Assistant Regional Director Cornelia Menao-Rillera emphasized that the assistance was the outcome of a collaborative effort among various government agencies in the Ilocos Region, aimed at addressing the comprehensive needs of the beneficiaries, who were selected for belonging to one of society’s most vulnerable sectors.
“The assistance we provide comes from our partner agencies and volunteer civil servants, including those from CSC Region 1. This noble and meaningful advocacy is carried out for the well-being of our beneficiaries,” she said.
Dr. Charity Tambo from the Department of Health – Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) 1 highlighted the significance of their collaboration with the CSC Region 1 for the medical mission, which offered a comprehensive range of medical services to the selected beneficiaries.
“The medicines we provide are essential in combating common diseases that affect children, including multivitamins, cough and cold remedies, and other vital medications,” Dr. Tambo added.
Regina Bulatao, center head of the DSWD Field Office 1’s Home for Girls, meanwhile expressed her gratitude for the selection of the residential treatment facility as a recipient of the outreach program.
“This activity is crucial as it addresses the medical needs of both our residents and employees. It allows us to monitor their health more effectively,” she said.
The residential treatment facility, currently housing underprivileged girls between the ages of seven and 17, provides a safe haven for those who have been removed from their families due to sexual abuse or exploitation and are now under the custody of the state.
The facility also caters to children who have suffered from other forms of abuse, including physical abuse, psychological abuse, victims of armed conflict, child labor, and trafficking.
The medical mission, held in commemoration of the Philippine Civil Service Anniversary in the Ilocos Region, was a collaborative effort involving a wide range of partners.
Key contributors included the DOH-CHD 1, Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center, Bureau of Fire Protection, La Union Provincial Health Office, Philippine National Police, and the local government of Agoo, La Union. (AMB/CCMT, PIA La Union)
