Outreach program addresses immediate health needs and promotes preventive wellness
Taking care of your health is also a way taking care of your family. (In photo): A Depore resident brings his child along while he is having his free health consultation and prescription from TVIRD’s Medical outreach program.Bayog, Zamboanga del Sur / February 2025 – The rain fell steadily over Barangay Depore, soaking streets and slowing down public transport. Inside the community hall, however, hope was arriving in boxes of medicines and the steady hands of healthcare professionals.
Bringing healthcare closer to the people
Access to healthcare remains a challenge in many rural areas of Bayog. With limited medical facilities and no local dental clinic, residents often delay treatment until conditions worsen. Recognizing this gap, a team from TVI Resource Development Philippines Inc. (TVIRD) composed of a physician, a dentist, nurses and other support staff conducted consultations, general check-ups and dental procedures directly within the barangay. Medicines and vitamins were also distributed free of charge, as part of the medical mission.
TVIRD operates the Balabag Gold and Silver Project in the municipality of Bayog of this province. Through its Social Development and Management Program (SDMP), the company is able to conduct medical outreach programs where it is needed the most – like in its host barangay, Depore.
Among those who sought assistance was a grandmother who brought her grandchildren who were suffering from a persistent fever. In communities where accessing care often requires travel outside the barangay, families face additional expenses and logistical challenges. For her, the outreach provided timely medical assessment and treatment within the community, eliminating the need for a difficult and costly trip elsewhere.
Barangay Depore Chairman Danilo Sauclom thanked the company for initiating the medical mission: “On behalf of Barangay Depore, I sincerely thank TVIRD for conducting the medical outreach in our community. The free medicines and dental services greatly benefited our residents, especially those from far-flung Puroks. This SDMP initiative is truly a meaningful and much-appreciated support to our barangay.”
Filling smiles, one tooth at a time
In addition to general medical consultations, dental care emerged as a significant concern. Twenty residents received treatment, addressing issues that might otherwise have gone unattended due to limited local access. By including dental services in the outreach, the team directly responded to a clearly identified and practical need within the community.
Balabag Community Relations Superintendent Meriam Embate noted that the program reflects the organization’s ongoing commitment under its Social Development and Management Program (SDMP). “Bringing basic health services closer to our communities allows residents to address health concerns promptly,” she said, adding that the outreach also encourages greater awareness of preventive healthcare practices.
Fostering awareness for long-term wellness
While providing direct care, the outreach also offered residents the chance to consult with healthcare professionals about preventive measures. Participants could ask questions about symptoms, seek advice on maintaining good health, and receive guidance tailored to their circumstances. This interaction strengthened community awareness of early intervention and proper health practices, extending the impact of the outreach beyond immediate treatment.
Braving the rain
The program’s success required careful coordination. Heavy rainfall posed logistical challenges in transporting medicines and equipment, but collaboration among project personnel, barangay officials and local health workers ensured that services were delivered efficiently and orderly throughout the day.
A Sustained Commitment
The outreach not only addressed immediate health needs but also represented part of a long-term commitment to the community. Healthcare initiatives continue to be integrated into the SDMP, with similar programs planned for other barangays in the municipality. Embate emphasized that the organization will continue working with local partners to maintain access to essential healthcare services.
Through the medical mission in Barangay Depore, TVIRD reaffirmed its role in supporting public health, responding to identified needs and strengthening local partnerships that contribute to a better quality of life for its communities.
