Med mission serves 300 in Davao City

A medical and dental mission organized by the Franciscan Religious Congregation of Davao on March 4 benefited some 300 people in Brgy. Communal Purok 12, which is under the Parish of the Stigmatization of St. Francis of Assisi.

“We are still looking for other areas in Davao City, specially the informal settlers and to our brothers and sisters who are most in need of our help,” said Dr. Dennis Tayo, MD a Franciscan brother and the director of the Franciscan Crossing Borders.

This was the 4th year that the group conducted a medical and dental mission in Davao City, in cooperation with different private and public hospitals, NGOs, and government agencies.

He added the most common health complaints were hypertension, cough, colds, and dental problems.

“Mapasalamaton mi kaayo nga gi anhi mi diri sa among lugar aron matagaan mi ug libre nga check-up ug tambal (We are so grateful that they came here in our place for free check up and medicine),” said Helen Singco, a resident.

Br. Emmanuel Senador, a Franciscan brother and a registered nurse, said the children, in particular, need to be educated on the importance of regular and proper tooth-brushing.

“Maybe next time when we conduct again a medical and dental mission we will educate them on… the proper way of brushing the teeth and the [importance] of it as well,” he said.

The team comprised 17 doctors, 7 dentists, and 4 nurses from the different hospitals in the city.

The medical and dental mission kicked off with a Eucharistic celebration presided over by Fr. Renee Dean, OFM.