Local media conducts service caravan
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
In this challenging time, a simple gesture of extending a hand can lift a heart and put a smile to every face of the most vulnerable sector of society.
This has been manifested through the response of those people who
benefited from the free medical mission dubbed “Operation Tulong” initiated by
Manila Broadcasting Company, dxMB-95.1 Love Radio Butuan, together with the
barangay health workers of Pangabugan, Golden Ribbon, and Maon, all in Butuan
City.
Free medical consultations, fasting blood sugar (FBS) test, and vitamin
supplements were provided to the locals. Children also enjoyed free pospas and
ice cream, as well as the games and entertainment by the DJs and staff of Love
Radio Butuan.
From kids to adults to senior citizens, all were able to enjoy and left
with big smiles on their faces. They were appreciative of the effort of the
media organization with all the barangay health workers of the three barangays
in its aim to help uplift the lives of the local residents.
The beneficiaries expressed their gratitude to the organizers for
extending help and serving as partners of the government in addressing the
concerns of the locals.
Celia Gatchalian, a senior citizen, who has difficulty walking from
Brgy. Maon, Butuan City, was delighted to have availed of the free fasting
blood sugar test (FBS), consultations, and vitamin supplements, among others.
“Thank you to all the organizers of this Operation Tulong for including
our barangay as among the lucky recipients. Thank you also for letting us know
that there will also be another set of assistance for the rest of the barangays
in the city. We have been supportive of this kind of activity because it really
helps address our medical needs,” shared Gatchalian.
Rodulfo Keliste, 61 years old from P-2 Camote, Brgy. Maon, Butuan City,
was also happy to see for the first time the radio personalities who also
rendered songs to all the participants, to give entertainment while they avail
of the free services.
“I’m really happy to see the faces of these people, the faces behind
their enticing voices on air. We are very fortunate because we get to avail
free services not only from the government but also with other partner
stakeholders or non-government organizations.
We should really be working hand-in-hand to help each other cope with
life’s challenges,” said Keliste.
Ester Elvisa Salazar-Palero, station manager of Love Radio Butuan,
underscored that they wanted to intensify partnership with key duty-bearers in
its effort to provide the needs of the vulnerable sectors.
"We have been doing this outreach program in the barangays for many
years and we will continue extending assistance to the people. Aside from this
being part of our corporate social responsibility, we also want to strengthen
our partnership and collaboration with the government," she said.
Palero revealed that the team will go around to the remaining barangays in Butuan to bring the same services to the people. Other free services such as "Libreng Sakay" will also be conducted along with the feeding program in the barangays. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)
