Medical mission enables UPLB to serve 1,500 residents of nearby communities

As part of its mandate to lead as a public service university, UPLB, through the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs, hosted a medical mission for residents of its neighboring communities on Nov. 12-13 at the University Health Service (UHS).

Over 1,500 residents from Brgy. Batong Malake and Brgy. Tuntungin-Putho availed themselves of free medical services, including consultation, laboratory tests, tooth extraction, and minor surgical procedures. Patients were also given free medicines, vitamins, and reading glasses.

The initiative was done in collaboration with the UP Sigma Beta Fraternity, UP Beta Sigma Sorority, and Beta Sigma Northwest USA, who gathered volunteers and medical practitioners to serve the community.

In his welcome message, Chancellor Jose V. Camacho, Jr. cited Republic Act 9500, the UP Charter, which highlights the university’s distinct role of extending community, public, and volunteer service.

According to him, what sets the UPLB apart from other higher education institutions is that public service initiatives such as medical missions are at the core of the university’s functions.

For Cosme Santiago, UPLB alumnus and director of Beta Sigma Northwest USA, the event is their way of giving back to the community where they came from.

Apart from the volunteers and doctors of the partner organizations, in-house staff and medical personnel of the UHS assisted in undertaking the mission.

UP Betans expressed their intention to continuously partner with the UPLB administration for similar outreach projects. (Roi Mojado)

This article was originally published on the UPLB website.