Championing the health and well-being of Batangueños, the offices of Senators Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano held a two-day medical caravan in the Municipality of Bauan this week that emerged as a lifeline for 407 women and mothers seeking access to medical attention.
“Wala kaming pambili ng gamot kaya andito kami para humingi ng tulong. Salamat po sa nakakaintindi at tumutulong sa mga may sakit. Sana’y pagpalain kayo ng Panginoong Diyos!” 70-year-old Lucia Marasigan tearfully said during the caravan at the Hon. Herminigildo Jasa Dolor Coliseum.
Upon learning about the medical caravan, Marasigan said she and her sibling immediately went to the venue to get the critical care they needed.
“Nagpacheck-up ako kasi gusto ko gumaling at nagpapasalamat po ako na ipinagkaloob ng Diyos na ako’y gumaling, pati ang kapatid kong bulag. Wala lang po talaga kaming masasabi. Maganda ang serbisyo at mababait,” she said about the care she received.
The Cayetano team initiated this caravan with the help of former Batangas 2nd District Representative Raneo Abu and Dra. Reina Dolor Abu-Reyes. Held from May 16 to 17 in Bauan, Batangas, it catered to 407 individuals, of which more than eighty percent were women and mothers.
On May 16, the caravan focused on addressing the health needs of 187 women. The next day, May 17, the caravan extended its services to the general public and provided medical services to 220 beneficiaries, majority of whom are also women.
This focus is largely influenced by Senator Pia Cayetano’s dedication to promoting the health and well-being of Filipino women.
The medical caravan provided an array of services such as general check-up, Pap smear, breast and other forms of ultrasound, chest X-ray, and essential laboratory tests including CBC and urinalysis.
In support of maternal health, pregnant women were offered general check-up and specialized services including blood tests, ultrasounds, and educational forums. Additionally, multivitamins and medicines were distributed to foster the well-being of both mother and child.
Beneficiaries were also assured they can continue to receive care beyond the event through the distribution of medicines.
Morena Dolor, who is working part-time as a Barangay Health Worker (BHW), was one of the many who received assistance for maintenance medication.
“Nalaman po namin na magkakaroon ng free check-up kaya nagpalista po kaming BHWs. Nakakatuwa po na may ganitong proyekto dahil nakalibre ako ng laboratory tests. Nabigyan ako ng reseta at gamot para sa sakit ng tuhod ko,” Dolor, also a senior citizen, said.
The medical caravan effectively reached beneficiaries who come from remote areas in the province namely San Pascual, Mabini, San Luis, Bauan, Lobo, Tingloy, Alitagtag, and Sta. Teresita, where patients often face challenges to accessing basic healthcare services.
With the good turnout, former Rep. Abu took time to thank Senators Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano, and the volunteers and healthcare professionals whose collective support ensured the success of the event.
The Cayetanos’ medical caravan, which has been catering to thousands of patients nationwide, underscores their initiative of laying the groundwork for healthier communities.
