CORE boosts Doctors to the Barrios’ mission
Primer Group’s advocacy arm Center for Outdoor Recreation and Expedition (CORE) encourages the company’s employees to promote a carbon-less commute through its Cycle Circle initiative.
But Primer Group is not only bicycling its sustainable efforts within its company’s walls. In fact, the company, through its CORE, brought the bicycles outside its parameters and donated them to individuals who are of service to Filipinos from far-flung areas.
Just recently, CORE partnered with the Doctors to the Barrios to distribute 10 bikes to 10 doctors in remote areas under its Heroes on Wheels campaign.
Heroes on Wheels will strengthen the support networks of local communities by giving proper outdoor equipment and transport to concerned community leaders to help them reach inaccessible areas, according to Kristine Villaflor, program manager.
“It is difficult to attend to the most immediate needs of patients when you are stirring the wheels of huge vehicles; this makes bicycles imperative in extending primary health services to remote areas,” Villaflor said.
Dr. Ralph Julius Mendoza, one of the beneficiaries of the Heroes on Wheels program, said that mobility is important in looking after the healthcare needs of people in remote areas.
“Mobility is the key to get things done – at least when you’re serving on an island where fuel is scarce and expensive, the terrain is rough, the roads are rugged, and the towns are far apart,” said Mendoza, who serves people residing in Sabtang, the southernmost island in Batanes. “When you’re the only doctor looking after nearly 2,000 people, mobility is imperative. It is also the challenge.”
He added, “Acquiring a bicycle from Primer Group under the Heroes on Wheels project has offered much help to undertake this worthy endeavor. The bicycle has proved to be an irreplaceable partner in achieving innovative and tailor-fit healthcare for the Isabtangs. It allows you to conquer the terrain without the fear of being too late to help a patient, thereby connecting you to those who need you at the time they need you most.”