CALAMBA CITY, Laguna—Some 1,482 Calambeños, comprising the indigent sector, benefited from the SM Foundation’s medical mission at the Terminal 1 of SM mall here on March 20.
Karen Christine H. Tiqui, SM City public relations officer, told the Philippine News Agency the free medical and health-service activities successfully served the urban poor and the marginalized rural folks with mostly mothers and their children and senior citizens.
Tiqui said the indigent beneficiaries patiently waited in line to avail themselves of the free medical and dental services as early as 7 a.m. at the mall’s transport terminal.
“Beneficiaries were able to consult with doctors, as well as have tooth extraction services free of charge from the SM Foundation’s team of physicians through its medical mission, dubbed ‘Gamot Para sa Kapwa’ [free medicine for the people],” Tiqui said.
Aside from the medical consultations, especially at the “Vital Signs” area and dental services, the health services also included x-ray, ECG, sugar, uric and cholesterol tests. “Medicines and reading glasses were also given for free, much to the delight of the patient-beneficiaries,” she added.
SM Foundation and SM City Calamba management also expressed their appreciation to the Calamba City Health Office, University of Perpetual Help Medical Center-Biñan, Ideal Vision Center—SM City Calamba branch, Philippine National Police, GMA 7’s “Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko and other volunteers.
“The spirit of volunteerism to help the poor and less privileged was demonstrated by these medical team and sponsors who selflessly contributed their time and effort and made the medical mission a success,” Tiqui said.
She said the medical mission is conducted every year as part of SM’s commitment and corporate social responsibility (CSR) to serve the community.