1,300 residents benefit from medical, dental mission in Clark

CLARK FREEPORT— A total of 1,300 residents from the Metro Clark area received free medical services and essential goods during the 2nd Joint Fil-Am Outreach Mission held on February 3, 2025, at the Clark Polytechnic Multi-Purpose Hall.

The initiative was a collaborative effort between Clark Development Corporation (CDC), led by President and CEO Atty. Agnes VST Devanadera, and the Angeles City Clark Balibago Lions Club (ACCBLC), in partnership with the Maharlika Lions Club of Sacramento, California. The mission provided 500 beneficiaries with medical consultations, 250 with dental services, 250 with optical care, and additional 300 slots to accommodate additional needs.

ACCBLC President Maria Kathreena Mercado emphasized their commitment to bridging healthcare gaps for underprivileged communities.

“We’re doing this [medical mission] for the people who are less fortunate, yung mga hindi directly nakakapunta sa mga hospitals, yung nahihirapan kumuha ng mga gamot, so nandito tayo para tayo ang lumapit sakanila at makapamigay personally,” she added.

The program catered to daily wage earners, indigent residents, and members of the Aeta community, with volunteer doctors, dentists, pharmacists, and nurses providing essential services. CDC, through its Corporate Social Responsibility and Placement Division (CSRPD), facilitated logistics, venue preparation, and beneficiary coordination.

Esther Garcia, an Aeta resident from Sto. Niño, Bamban, Tarlac expressed gratitude for the free medical consultation.

“Salamat at may nagbigay ng gamot sa amin dahil kami sa bundok gusto rin namin ng gamot dahil minsan wala kaming pambili kaya pumunta rin kami rito. Tulad nito, may mga tumutulong, makakapag pa check-up na kami,” she said.

Victoria Macapil Timbol from Calumpang, Mabalacat, also shared her positive experience at the event.

“Nakatulong talaga ‘yung libreng gamot, tapos nalaman ko papo na normal naman ang [blood] sugar ko. Okay ang service nila. Hindi rin hassle dahil hatid sundo kami ng CDC,” she said in the Kapampangan language.

Erica Sanchez, a mother from Marcos Village in Mabalacat City with two children enrolled at the CDC-OB-Bloomberry Family Care Center, also availed of the services.

“Pareho pong may sipon ang aking mga anak, kaya dinala ko sila rito para magpa-check-up. Napakaganda na may mga programang tulad nito,” she shared in Kapampangan language.

Other organizations that supported the event include Holy Family Academy, Systems Plus College Foundation, the Philippine Air Force, Subic Bay Centennial Lions Club, DPMexico Implant Dental Center, Lab1 Medical & Diagnostic Center, Hermosa Centennial Lions Club, and Rei Anicoche, founder and chairperson of Beautederm Group of Companies, among others.