School holds ‘Pasko sa Kabukiran’
Medical mission in the mountain barangay of Calidngan serves 200 folks, including children
THE Matias H. Aznar Memorial College of Medicine (MHAM CM) held an early community Christmas party at the covered court of Barangay Calidngan, Carcar City last Nov. 30.
Dubbed as “Pasko sa Kabukiran,” the whole-day activity was part of the college’s desire to establish a community-based Nutrition Resource and Development Center (NRDC) to partner communities.
The event, which was organized in cooperation with the Carcar City Government and Calidngan officials, included the launching and signing of a memorandum of agreement for the NRDC and the Shoe Box project initiated by the Student Council. The project was a recipient of the Association of Philippine Medical Colleges-Student Network Service Project of the Year Award 2016.
The activity kicked off with a free medical clinic that benefited 100 adults and 100 children.
At least 24 MHAM CM doctors assisted by selected aspiring physicians composed the team that provided the medical services to the beneficiaries.
Jarvis Prochina, Community Extension Services consultant, said that the Nutrition Research Center has been established to help address malnutrition issues, especially in rural areas.
Francisco Bacalla, MHAM information technology consultant and a native of Calidngan, took the initiative of including the barangay as one of the recipientcommunities for community extension programs, aside from providing a parcel of land to be used for the center.
Elma Aznar-Sierra, MHAM CM chair- man of the board of trustee and president, led the launching and MOA signing of the center. She was joined by Carlito Astillero, board of trustee and auditor; Dr. Arlene Diaz, dean; Datu Nar-Jhun Salik, SC governor; Carcar City Councilor Rogelio Montesclaros; and Calidngan Barangay Captain Ignacio Ochia.
A Christmas caroling contest followed after the launch, which was participated in by Purok Proper, Pinanuyakan, Kamari, Pit- os, Lunas and Virsaros carolers.
Two teams, Purok Proper and Kamari, were declared winners who received P1,000 each, while the other teams got P500 each as consolation prizes.
To cap the day’s activity, volunteers of the Shoe Box project conducted a feeding program to the delight of the children.
At least 25 families also received Noche Buena packs from the group during a raffle draw.