BY: VANESSA BUGTONG
At 66 years old, Tatay Jun relies on maintenance medication for his high blood pressure.
Regular check-ups with a doctor are also essential for him.
However, before he can reach a hospital in La Trinidad, Benguet, he has to travel four hours from his home in Tacadang, Kibungan.
His last consultation was in mid-December, and his medicines are running low.
“I ran out of medicine, so I was planning to go to Trinidad,” said Jun Apidos, a resident and beneficiary.
This is why he is extremely grateful that free check-ups and medicines were provided to him and his neighbors.
This was made possible by the Raffy Tulfo in Action Center Northern Luzon, led by George Punasen.
They personally brought the services to Tacadang.
According to George Mendoza Punasen, Project Coordinator – Raffy Tulfo in Action Center, Northern Luzon, “This is our second visit to Tacadang. We promised them before that we would return with a medical mission. Since this area is very remote, it’s difficult for residents to travel to the city for check-ups or to buy medicine. But because we made a promise, we came back with the medical mission.”
“Because you’re here, I’ll get my check-up here instead. Thank you, Sir, for bringing these free services,” Apidos added.
“Thank you for bringing these services to us. Now, we don’t have to travel to Trinidad. If we go to Trinidad, the fare alone costs 500 pesos one way. Then we still have to pay for the check-up and another 500 pesos for the trip back,” said Christina Gaydo, a resident and beneficiary.
They also offered free haircuts, which 82-year-old Tatay Luis didn’t pass up.
According to Lusi Lestino, a resident and beneficiary, “Only a few people here know how to cut hair, maybe just two, and they’re young boys. If they go to Baguio, there’s no one left to give haircuts. That’s why I came here—to get a haircut. My nephew, who used to cut my hair, is now in Baguio.”
George’s team promises to continue providing assistance and services to their fellow Benguet residents, no matter how far or difficult the journey may be.
“Through these medical missions, we can see what’s lacking and what else we can bring to help them the next time we visit,” Punasen stated.
