In a remarkable display of compassion and community outreach, the Gift of Love Medical, Dental, and Humanitarian Mission organized by United Catanduanes San Diego (UCSD) recently concluded its week-long endeavor, leaving an indelible impact on communities across the island.
The mission reached 11 mission churches and small parishes, serving a total of 56 barangays in all 11 towns.
A total of 4,045 individuals in underserved sectors, including 77 Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL), were benefited by the mission which ran from Jan. 29 to Feb. 2, 2024.
According to the report on the 3rd Gift of Love mission, the group served 581 individuals from six barangays/sitios at the mission site at the Shrine of the Holy Innocents in Sto. Nino, Virac headed by parish priest Rev. Fr. Franco Ian Balmadrid; 721 from three barangays/sitios at St. Alfonso Maria Fusco Parish in Lictin, San Andres (Rev. Fr. Laudemer Jose Gapaz); 663 from seven barangays/sitios at Hitoma Parish in Caramoran (Rev. Fr. Shondel Rodulfo); 687 from six barangays/sitios at Good Counsel Mission Church in Tariwara, Pandan (Rev. Fr. Joel Teves); 712 from seven barangays/sitios at Bugao Parish in Bagamanoc (Rev. Fr. Karl Padilla); 718 from four barangays/sitios at St. Paul VI Mission Church in Paniquihan, Baras (Rev. Fr. Garry Uchi); 696 from two barangays/sitios at St. Pedro Calungsod Mission Church in Sicmil, Gigmoto )Rev. Fr. Laurente Dio); 445 from six barangays/sitios at Mount Carmel Mission Church in Tambongon, Viga (Rev. Fr. Mark Anthony Tasarra); 370 from four barangays/sitios at Our Lady of the Universe Mission Church in Mabini, Panganiban (Rev. Fr. Jambo Valatero); 596 from seven barangays/sitios at St. Kowalska Parish in Bagong Bayan, Bato (Rev. Fr. Sid Jose Sanchez); and 404 from four barangays/sitios at Mary of Divine Love Mission Church in Progreso, San Miguel (Rev. Fr. Danilo Belaro).
Also visited and served were 104 people at the Virac District Jail in Calatagan Tibang, who are being ministered by Rev. Fr. Johnny Lizaso.
The beneficiaries of medical consultations are broken down as follows: 2,095 medical, 695 dental, 1,458 optical, and 79 obstetrics-gynecology.
A total of 2,705 individuals received rice and gifts from the mission, the report added.
The mission’s success was made possible through the dedicated efforts of 20 dentists from the Philippine Dental Association, 21 medical doctors from the Catanduanes Medical Society, Dr. Ferdinand Que Optical Clinic, the Alpha Phi Omega (APO) Fraternity and Sorority, Catanduanes Lady Eagles Club, and numerous civic-spirited volunteers from all corners of the province.
This collaborative effort not only provided essential medical and dental services but also touched the lives of those who needed it the most, the group declared.
“The UCSD’s Gift of Love Mission stands as a testament to the power of community engagement and the positive impact that can be achieved when various organizations join forces for a common humanitarian cause,” President and Founder Dr. Oscar Enriquez said.