BTC Chair Gladys Vergara Leads Goodhearted Volunteers’ Medical Mission for Seniors in Salud Mitra Barangay
BTC - PRESS RELEASE — March 10, 2025
BTC Chair Gladys Vergara Leads Goodhearted Volunteers’ Medical Mission for Seniors in Salud Mitra Barangay
BAGUIO CITY – Close to 300 senior citizens benefited from the ophthalmic and medical services provided by the Goodhearted Volunteers Medical Mission, held on March 9, 2025, at the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) in Salud Mitra Barangay. This initiative, organized by the Baguio City Government and the Baguio Tourism Council, aimed to provide free essential healthcare services to the city’s elderly community.
The medical mission offered a range of free medical services, including general check-ups, eye check-ups (with free eyeglasses while supplies lasted), diabetes screening with free medicines, and blood pressure monitoring with hypertension medicines.
A dedicated team of healthcare professionals and volunteers, including goodhearted doctors and medical practitioners, extended their expertise and services to ensure the well-being of the senior citizens in attendance.
This noble endeavor was made possible through the generous support and collaboration of various sponsors and partners, including:
- Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA)
- Salud Mitra Barangay
- PANAC, Inc.
- Everlasting Lions Club
- Pines Lions Club
- Fernando Tiong
- Baguio Medical Center
- Saint Louis University (SLU)
- Baguio General Hospital (BGH)
- Zonta Club of Baguio
- Diabetes Philippines Baguio-Benguet Chapter
- Natrapharm Philippines, Inc.
- Ritemed
- Abbott Nutrition
- FBASECA
Medical professionals who contributed their time and expertise included:
- Dr. Dwight Black
- Dr. Sophia Black
- Dr. Brenda Leung
- Dr. Rey Leung
- Dr. Jennifer Tiong
- Dr. Vernon Tiong
- Dr. Dionisio Claridad III
- Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes
- Dr. Joanne Balderas
Baguio Tourism Council Chairman Gladys Vergara, an advocate for the welfare of senior citizens, emphasized the importance of expanding social pension and Universal Health Care coverage for seniors, as well as for mothers and children. She was accompanied by her father, former Congressman and Mayor of Baguio Bernardo M. Vergara, and councilor candidate Glenn Gaerlan, both of whom expressed their support for initiatives that prioritize the well-being of the elderly community.
“This medical mission is a reflection of our shared responsibility to care for our elders and ensure they have access to proper healthcare services. I am deeply committed to pushing for the expansion of social pension and Universal Health Care so that our senior citizens, mothers, and children receive the support and medical attention they deserve,” Vergara stated.
The Goodhearted Volunteers Medical Mission showcased the power of community-driven initiatives in promoting public health and well-being. The organizers extend their heartfelt gratitude to all volunteers, sponsors, and medical professionals who made the event a success.
