In cooperation with the Members Church of God International and the partner government and private agencies, UNTV News and Rescue continues to conduct its free medical missions and legal consultations across the country. (Photo by Joseph Caldino, Photoville International)

UNTV News and Rescue joined hands with Bagong Henerasyon (BH) Partylist and Members Church of God International (MCGI) to provide medical aid to three indigent parts of Bicol Region, serving nearly 5,000 people affected by Typhoon Nina.

The medical mission was held in response to letters from local officials of select areas in Catanduanes and Albay, namely San Roque, Viga, and Polangui, places recently ravaged by Typhoon Nina.

Swift Action Upon Request

Bicolanos were pleased with the quick response which was not only provided with medical assistance.

“I am delighted that, just days [after the request], we received aid. UNTV sent representatives to visit our place,” said Brgy. Capt. Dennis Timbal of San Roque, Bato, Catanduanes. The same requested the service in the area.

Vice Mayor Herbert Borja of Polangui, Albay, also imparted his gratitude for his answered letter saying “Polangui residents are very thankful as a whole, including the LGU of Polangui, that our request was granted.”

Likewise, Mayor Eulogio Rodriguez could not express his delight that despite Catanduanes being far from the metro, they would receive much assistance.

“I was actually surprised that on the same day I sent out my request, there was immediately [positive] response. I was not expecting this much doctors to come,” quipped PSINP. Ernesto Montes, Jr., Acting Chief-of-Police, MPS Viga.

UNTV News and Rescue, upon the direction of Kuya Daniel Razon, also rendered dental and optical services, including diagnostics and laboratory works such as Urinalysis and Capillary Blood Glucose (CBG) tests to the people there.

Prescriptions even came with free medicines to their known ailments or conditions. In addition, relief goods were donated to Virac, Catanduanes.

Aid Helps Uplift Spirits of Calamity-Stricken Communities

Mayor Cherilie Mella Sampal of Polangui, Albay, expressed how much this was a help to them who were affected by the typhoon, adding that most people there were still in low spirits after the calamity.

The medical mission lasted for almost three days, catering to the indigent communities whose residents simply could not afford the costly maintenance medications.

Catanduanes and Albay are just two of the Philippines’ most affected areas by last year’s Typhoon Nina (International Name: Nock-Ten) late December last year.

Up to 200,000 families lost their homes in the calamity that was reportedly the worst to hit Bicol in 10 years.

UNTV medical missions, spearheaded by Kuya Daniel Razon, visit poor communities regularly.

MCGI and BH Partylist are two of UNTV’s partners in its advocacies and charitable causes for the poor.

Watch the full report below.

Written by Ma. Therese P. Quita, RN