HONOR continues to expand in PH, now in SM City Marilao and Marikina

 

HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng, Brand Manager Joepy Libo-on, PR Manager Pao Oga, and Sales Director for Central Luzon Jim Li with SM City Marilao Tenant Relations Officer Rafael Martinez and AVPO North 5 and 6 Anna Datu

The leading smart devices provider, HONOR Philippines, has achieved another milestone with the opening of its third and fourth experience store in SM City Marilao and SM City Marikina.

 

Officiated by HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng, Brand Manager Joepy Libo-on, PR Manager Pao Oga, and Sales Director for Central Luzon Jim Li with SM City Marilao Tenant Relations Officer Rafael Martinez and AVPO North 5 and 6 Anna Datu in SM City Marilao and HONOR Philippines National Sales Officer Jett Hermosura and Regional Retail Manager Jen Rayala with Power Premium Area Supervisor Kiwi Billy Arce and Sales and Retail Operation Consultant Matt Basilan in SM City Marikina, both store openings were another jam-packed success for the tech giant.

 

“This is such a sweet success for us. Seven months ago, no one would have ever thought that we would grow this early and this fast. We really owe it to our loyal customers, that’s why we are making our services more accessible to more and more Filipinos,” said Stephen Cheng, HONOR Philippines Vice President.

 

To those who are on the lookout of the next HONOR experience stores to open, here’s the updated list from HONOR Philippines:

 

Ultra-Tough gets Tougher

 

The crowd-favorite HONOR X9a 5G that now comes in the new limited-edition Midnight Black color, sports a 120Hz Premium OLED Curved Display bringing users a large screen with an impressive screen-to-body ratio. HONOR X9a 5G has an impressive 64 MP Super Triple Camera and a 2-Day Battery Life.

 

It was tested yet again during the store opening in SM City Marilao where select fans participated in the viral HONOR smash challenge. Lucky winner got to take home an HONOR smartphone.

Visit your nearest HONOR Experience Store or any partner dealer store now as this HONOR X9a 5G Midnight Black comes in limited stocks only!. It is also now available through your favorite online stores – Shopee (https://bit.ly/3oh9VGt), Lazada (https://bit.ly/3L0VuyT), and TikTok Shop (https://vt.tiktok.com/ZS8WXk7ow/), still priced at P16,990.

You can find the HONOR Experience Store in SM City Marilao at Second Level while the HONOR Experience Store in SM City Marikina is at Cyberzone.

For more announcements, you may visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorphilippines/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.

 

About HONOR

HONOR is a leading global provider of smart devices. It is dedicated to becoming a global iconic technology brand and creating a new intelligent world for everyone through its powerful products and services. With an unwavering focus on R&D, it is committed to developing technology that empowers people around the globe to go beyond, giving them the freedom to achieve and do more. Offering a range of high-quality smartphones, tablets, laptops and wearables to suit every budget, HONOR’s portfolio of innovative, premium and reliable products enable people to become a better version of themselves.

With Amway, have a healthy, happy smile with the new Glister oral care solution

 

Your smile does say a lot about you. That is because oral health is a key to long-lasting wellbeing and quality of life, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). It’s a truth often overlooked that the mouth is a portal for overall health. It’s where both nutrition and disease enter the body, so it’s important to show it attention. Keeping mouth, teeth and oral microbiome healthy is a critical path to feeling safe and protected. Having a healthy and happy smile is also important in building self-confidence as it allows you to interact with others without any discomfort and hesitation.

 

This is why observing proper oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing every day, is a must to keep our mouths (and our smiles) healthy. Good oral care can also help prevent issues like cavities, gum diseases, and bad breath by maintaining the balance of bacteria in our mouths and keeping the harmful ones under control. Without a solid daily routine, it’s easier for dental problems to contribute to more serious conditions linked to cardiovascular and respiratory health. 

 

Glister, the popular dental care brand of entrepreneur-led health and wellness company Amway, is advocating a 3-Step Oral Care System that’s designed to gently clean teeth, freshen breath, and keep gums healthy—all without disrupting the delicate oral microbiome.

 

The first step to this oral care system is Glister Multi-Action Toothpaste, the top selling Amway product for the past 25 years. It can gently and effectively prevent cavities, remove plaque, and reduce staining on teeth enamel for a whiter, brighter smile. Like all the other Glister formulas, this toothpaste boasts of plant- and naturally derived ingredients, including natural silica that gently polishes teeth and traceable Nutrilite-grown peppermint—a significant step the brand takes to ensure each product is safe and effective.

 

It also comes with the Reminact technology which helps redeposit essential minerals back onto the enamel through remineralization, strengthening the teeth and making them more resistant to decay. Glister toothpaste also has just the right amount of fluoride to prevent the demineralization effect of acid formed in the plaque of the teeth, and further protect them against cavities. For everyone’s peace of mind, it’s also formulated with no alcohol, parabens or animal-derived ingredients. 

 

To complement this step, the oral care brand also offers Glister Multi-Action Toothbrush in soft and medium bristles. Each is engineered with an in-mold technology that provides a thinner head, allowing for more effective cleaning of hard-to-reach places and with an integrated tongue/cheek cleaner.

 

The second Glister-approved oral care step is flossing, which is a must to clean every nook and cranny of the teeth that brushing alone may miss. Glister Multi-Action Dental Floss is especially designed for this job, to remove plaque from hard-to-reach areas while also gently stimulating the gums. It has a flat ribbon shape that’s coated with a naturally derived wax that allows it to slide and glide smoothly between teeth and just below the gumline.

 

To complete the 3-Step Oral Care System, Amway’s dental care brand offers the Glister Multi-Action Concentrated Oral Rinse that can help kill gingivitis and bad breath-causing bacteria (it’s infused with Nutrilite-powered peppermint essential oil). It can also significantly reduce plaque and clean between teeth, compared to just brushing. With its highly concentrated formula, this oral rinse can also be diluted for up to 100 uses per bottle. It also has no artificial dye, alcohol, peroxide, sugar or parabens.

 

This oral care brand also has something for those always on the go. Long-lasting fresh breath and extra confidence are just a spray away with Glister Mint Refresher Spray. For more convenience, each spray is designed to deliver the right amount of freshness for the entire mouth with just a single pump and has been shown to provide strong antimicrobial action against oral bacteria. It also kills 99.99% of oral bacteria generally known to cause bad breath and tooth decay.

 

Brush, floss, rinse, and refresh with Glister oral health products to strengthen and protect the delicate gateway to your entire body and support your general health, wellness, and happiness. Indeed, your smile does say a lot about you. Keep it radiant and healthy with Glister.

 

Find out more about Glister products and the 3-step oral care solution through our Amway entrepreneurs, @OfficalAmwayPH on Facebook, @nutrilite_ph on Instagram, and the Amway website at Glister™ | Amway Philippines | Amway Philippines.

 

About Amway

Amway is an entrepreneur-led health and wellness company based in Ada, Michigan. It is committed to helping people live better, healthier lives – across more than 100 countries and territories worldwide. According to Fortune magazine, it is among the Top 50 privately held, family-owned companies in the United States. Top-selling brands for Amway are Nutrilite™, Artistry™ and XS™ energy drinks – all sold exclusively by entrepreneurs who are known as Amway Business Owners. Global sales of $7.9 billion made Amway the No. 1 direct selling business in the world, according to the 2020 Direct Selling News Global 100. For company news, visit www.amwayglobal.com/newsroom.

The Ball’s In Your Court: Global 3-on-3 Streetball Competition Red Bull Half Court is Finally Coming to the Philippines

 

For the first time since Red Bull Reign, Filipino streetballers will compete once again on a global stage as the intense and competitive 3-on-3 basketball tournament, Red Bull Half Court, is finally making its way to the Philippines. The qualifying tournaments will take place in Cebu and Manila to determine who will compete at the National Finals and represent the country in Serbia on September 2023.

 

Red Bull Half Court: A Streetballer’s Stomping Ground

The first leg of Red Bull Half Court will begin with two individual qualifiers in Cebu and Manila. The games will be played under FIBA rules, with the first round in a pool play style and the following rounds in a knockout format.

 

To ensure a consistently high-octane offensive game, Red Bull Half Court’s unique Own the Court stipulation will award team groups additional points to those who score the most points cumulatively throughout the event giving them a higher chance of securing their spot in the Top 4 (Men's) and Top 2 (Women's) of their respective qualifier. Each match in the qualifying round will be a 10-minute game.

 

The winning team from each city will be rewarded with a homecourt refurbishment of their choosing, and the opportunity to compete against each other in a winner-takes-all match at the National Finals.

 

"We are thrilled to work with Red Bull in bringing Red Bull Half Court to the Philippines. Basketball is an important part of the Filipino culture, and we believe that this tournament will provide a platform for young and aspiring ballers to showcase their skills and passion for 3X3 street basketball and ultimately earn the chance to represent our country on the global stage." expressed Coach Eric Altamirano, the Tournament Commissioner of Red Bull Half Court Philippines.

 

The tournament is open to both men and women above the age of 18 with an active Philippine passport. All participating teams must have 4 players, with the 4th player serving as a reserve or backup. The registration, qualifying rounds, and other events leading up to the World Finals will commence on the following dates:

 

●        April 21 - Registration opens for Cebu and Manila Qualifiers

●        May 20 - Cebu Qualifiers

●        May 27 - Manila Qualifiers

●        June 3 - National Finals

●        September 16 to September 17 - World Finals

 

The culmination of the National Finals is set to go down at the renowned Tenement Basketball Court in Taguig with the winner getting an all-expense paid trip to represent the Philippines at the World Finals in Serbia.

 

Registration is completely free and Interested participants may sign up via this link: http://redbullhalfcourt.com/

 

What is Red Bull Half Court

Red Bull Half Court is a unique basketball tournament that showcases the best streetballers from over 28 countries worldwide. The competition is designed for young and aspiring ballers who want to bring their skills to a global stage. The tournament features a 3-on-3 format following FIBA’s basketball rules.

 

For more information and updates regarding the upcoming Red Bull Half Court, visit the official Red Bull website and the following social media pages (Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Tiktok )

 

About Red Bull

Red Bull gives wings to people and ideas. As a functional beverage, we give wings to people by vitalizing the body and mind – supporting their dreams and aspirations through their passion for sports.

Teleperformance reignites pledge for the planet on Earth Hour 2023

 

Teleperformance, global leader in outsourced customer and citizen experience management, joined millions across the world in celebrating Earth Hour 2023, continuing to deliver on its commitment to sustaina
bility and the planet.

 

As part of its climate action program Citizen of the Planet (COTP), Teleperformance switched off all of the lights in its 23 offices across the Philippines for one hour in honor of Earth Hour, saving 2,004.04 kilowatt hours (kWH)—enough to power ten homes for an entire month.

 

“We, at Teleperformance, are deeply committed to contributing to the enormous climate actions needed to reach a net zero world. From activities like the Earth Hour that build awareness to bigger undertakings such as actively switching to renewables and implementing energy-efficient measures in our operations, our sights are set on our pledge to achieve net zero emissions by 2040,” Teleperformance Philippines Chief Executive Officer Francisco ‘Sisco’ Lara shared.

 

Teleperformance Philippines has consistently made strides in curbing its energy consumption, such as the initiative of transforming the annual Earth Hour activity into a monthly event. In 2022 alone, the company managed to conserve 25,565.43 kWh of electricity, equivalent to the monthly consumption of 127 homes.

 

The company's advocacy for enabling a greener, safer, and cleaner Philippines also extends well beyond the walls of their offices.

 

In October 2022, Teleperformance inked a landmark partnership with AboitizPower, a leading renewable energy provider in the Philippines, to power their Bacolod and Sucat sites. With this, Teleperformance became one of the first Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) companies in the country to switch to renewable energy.

 

Earlier, Teleperformance launched a global campaign to raise money in support of reforestation efforts in the Philippines and elsewhere by teaming up with the non-profit organization One Tree Planted. Tree-planting initiatives in deforested areas benefited greatly from the generous donations Teleperformance mobilized. 

 

“Teleperformance marches on with the planet in mind as we continue our efforts in sustainability for the next coming years. We would like to thank all our employees and partners from all walks of life, who have contributed their part for our planet,” Lara added.

 

For more information on Teleperformance Philippines and its Citizen of the World initiatives, visit http://teleperformance.ph/.

 

 

ABOUT TELEPERFORMANCE

 

Teleperformance (TEP – ISIN: FR0000051807 – Reuters: TEPRF.PA - Bloomberg: TEP FP), the global leader in outsourced customer and citizen experience management and advanced related services, serves as a strategic partner to the world’s largest companies in many industries. It offers a One Office support services model including end-to-end digital solutions, which guarantee successful customer interaction and optimized business processes, anchored in a unique, comprehensive high touch, high tech approach.

 

Nearly 420,000 employees, based in 88 countries, support billions of connections every year in over 265 languages and around 170 markets, in a shared commitment to excellence as part of the “Simpler, Faster, Safer” process. This mission is supported by the use of reliable, flexible, intelligent technological solutions and compliance with the industry’s highest security and quality standards, based on Corporate Social Responsibility excellence. In 2021, Teleperformance reported consolidated revenue of €7,115 million (US$8.4 billion, based on €1 = $1.18) and net profit of €557 million.

 

Teleperformance began operations in the Philippines in 1996 and has grown to become a preferred offshore contact center outsourcing option. The company employs more than 61,000 people in the country and operates over 40,000 workstations in 24 business sites located across Metro Manila, Antipolo, Cavite, Baguio, Ilocos Norte, Bacolod, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, and General Santos City. 

 

Teleperformance Philippines offers offshore solutions and serves the North American, Australia, Asia and European markets, as well as the Domestic market, managing all aspects of the customer relations cycle for brands aiming to deliver excellent customer experiences.

 

From 2012 to 2022, Teleperformance has received the Frost & Sullivan Asia Pacific Contact Center Outsourcing Service Provider of the Year Award for its significant performance in revenue management, market share, capabilities, and overall contribution to the contact center industry. In addition, Teleperformance Philippines was awarded as Outstanding Employer and Outstanding Community Project of the Year by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), the Top Employer of the Year and Corporate Social Responsibility Circle of Excellence at the Asia CEO Awards, and the Outstanding Volunteer by the National Economic Development Authority.

 

In 2022, Teleperformance Philippines received its fifth certification as a Great Place to Work® and is the only organization in the country to be certified by the Great Place to Work® Institute for five years in a row. In 2023, the company was also awarded as one of the Philippines Best Workplaces™ for the second consecutive year. This 2023, Teleperformance celebrates its 27th year of continued excellence and leadership in the country. This milestone highlights the company’s commitment to steadily provide the best employment experience for Filipinos, proactively support the nation’s IT-BPM sector, and uphold its socio-civic engagements to create a difference in the Philippine community.

 

For further information, visit the Teleperformance website at teleperformance.ph

It's officially Summer Days, expect Summer Lice Days

Summertime is one of the most exciting seasons for children. It is the perfect opportunity for them to go on vacations, embark on outdoor escapades, spend quality time with friends, and create the most cherished childhood memories. Playing outside under the sun for hours with both old and new friends is undoubtedly an activity that creates the fondest memories. In addition, it builds a child’s confidence, communication, and social skills.

However, being exposed outdoors also poses harm to our children. In a study conducted by the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society of the Philippines, over 54.7% of the population of primary school children are infested by head lice, or kuto – a tiny parasite that feeds off human blood from the scalp of its host, which renders no benefit but rather pure discomfort, irritability, hassle, and other more serious conditions such as skin infection.

With the goal to continuously raise awareness on head lice infestation issues and promote prevention, Lamoiyan Corporation, maker of Licealiz Head Lice Treatment Shampoo shares tips and hacks to equip moms on how to achieve a kuto-free summer with their kids!

Tip #1 Minimize Head-to-Head Contact

Head lice do not fly, hop, or jump from one head to another. In fact, their only mode of transmission is through head-to-head contact and the sharing of personal hair accessories according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). During playtime, children may naturally put their heads together, and a good way to minimize these interactions is to put long hair in a ponytail or braid. A small amount of hair spray can also help contain stray hairs. Children can also be taught the importance of privacy and ownership of personal belongings to maintain good hygiene. The best approach to instilling habits in children is to help them understand the underlying reasons – making it more likely they will follow through and eventually adopt the habits as their own.

Tip #2 Identifying the Problem

Always take precautions. A John Hopkins Medicine article shared that knowing that your child is infected as early as possible is already the first and most important step in helping them. One of the earliest and most common symptoms is your child's frequent head scratches which is due to the itchiness caused by the bites of the tiny parasites. The same CDC article said that the best way to confirm is to look for live lice. First, you must wet your child’s hair and dampen it a little bit, just enough to eliminate water from dripping. Then, use a special fine-toothed comb locally called “Suyod” to detect and remove lice

Tip #3 Prevent Contamination

If a lice infestation is confirmed, containing the problem is needed to avoid its further spread according to the article from John Hopkins Medicine. Anyone is a possible host as long as their scalps are inhabitable for the lice to survive. This indicates that parents, people working in childcare, and entire families can be affected. Washing pillowcases, blankets, and any shared items that touch the head may help contain the lice. Nonetheless, head lice transmission through inanimate items is uncommon, but not impossible.

Tip #4 Reducing the Damage

While almost every Filipino household possesses a suyod, it is not a recommended tool for eradicating lice infestations. It may remove lice and nits that get stuck in the middle of the teeth of the comb, but it won’t essentially stop their spread. In fact, pagsusuyod should only be done moderately, as too much use of the comb may damage the scalp, causing open wounds that allow germs and bacteria to enter the body and cause more harm. It is advisable to use it right after using Licealiz Head Lice Treatment Shampoo to remove any remainders—if there are any!

Tip#5 Using the Right Treatment

Avoid home remedies and use scientifically proven treatments. Home remedies such as petroleum jelly, mayonnaise, kerosene, essential oils, or olive oil are ineffective and pose adverse effects such as skin irritation and inflammation. They can also reach the eyes of children, which can affect their eyesight. Using clinically proven products such as Licealiz Head Lice Treatment Shampoo exudes 100% confidence, backed by experts in safely eradicating lice in children—no side effects included. It contains pyrethrin, a natural active ingredient proven effective in eliminating head lice. Although it is indeed recommended to rely on natural treatments, it is always best to let scientists handle the science.

While lice infestation is considered the second most common problem in children, it is neither inevitable nor untreatable. With enough preparation and the right knowledge, mommies can be assured of their children’s safety while having fun under the sun. Making sure that children experience their childhood as free and fun as it can be is one of the best ways to express love and affection to them.

To learn more about Licealiz Head Lice Treatment Shampoo, visit www.facebook.com/licealiz.

Don’t Let the Flu Stop You from Life’s Adventures

Whether it’s catching up with loved ones, going on new adventures or witnessing important milestones – don’t let the flu stop you from being present for the things that matter most. Enjoy a #Unstoppable2023 by safeguarding your health from the flu and other infectious diseases.

 

WHAT IS THE FLU? NOW CAN IT STOP ME FROM LIFE'S ADVENTURES?

 

●     Influenza can be a critical illness that can lead to complications, hospitalizations, and even death in high-risk people.^1,2

●     Seasonal influenza occurs globally and is estimated to infect (symptomatically or asymptomatically in 5 unvaccinated children and 10 unvaccinated adults.² In addition, up to 5 million people fall severely ill because of the flu, and every year, up to 650,000 people are at risk of dying globally because of influenza-associated respiratory diseases.²

 

WHY SHOULD I GET AN ANNUAL FLU SHOT?

 

●     A flu vaccine helps your immune system provide optimal protection against the flu, enabling you to live your life to the fullest. For vaccinated children as young as six months and older adults. A flu shot can be lifesaving.^3,4

●     Flu vaccine protection declines over time due to the constant changing of the flu virus strain. Due to this, vaccines are annually reviewed and produced to ensure optimal protection against the current flu virus.³

 

WHY SHOULD I GET A FLU SHOT IF I WANT TO HAVE A GREAT YEAR AHEAD? ⁵

●     The best time to get your flu shot is before the flu season starts.⁶

●     In the Philippines, influenza viruses circulate year-round with multiple annual peaks. Increased activity is seen from June to November.⁷ If you can get vaccinated as early as you can, the better.

 

During the Q & A:

Ingrid Nieto-Pagulayan, Host: If you or a guest that you’ve assisted in any of your travels has ever been sick while traveling?

Rafael Dionisio, President and CEO of Make a Difference (MAD) Travel: Personally, whenever I have sickness, I’ll cancel immediately just out of respect to those people around me. Also, recently we had trips around Rizal and Zambales and we had children and adults on that trip who got sick. When traveling, people are engaged in what they're doing and kind of disregard the symptoms (a stuffy nose or itchy throat) but we need to be mindful of other people,

 

Doc Jing, how can we tell if it's a common cold or flu?

 

Dr. Jing Velasco-Aro, Vaccine Medical Head, GSK:

(The common cold and flu are) both respiratory illnesses. “Although, the symptoms might be similar among the two (common cold vs. flu) which people might find difficult to differentiate just by minding the symptoms alone. But in general, the flu can be worse than your common colds.”

 

Mr. Dionisio: What's the best way to prevent getting sick?

Dr. Velasco-Aro: The best way is by not to mingle w/ other people, not to go in public spaces, wear masks, do hand hygiene (washing your hands, alcohol rubs/gels), avoid touching your face, have enough rest, have a healthy diet: keep these healthy habits while conversing with other people. Also, have a routine check-up to be preventive. Vaccination isn’t for kids alone, adults need this as well (through vaccination, it will boost your immune system.

 

Host: When is the best time to get the flu vaccine?

Dr. Velasco-Aro:  The influenza virus thrives in weathers (rainy & humid). In the Philippines, it circulates all year-round. Annual peaks of Flu (between June to November), now is the best time to get a flu vaccine and when you’re planning to travel at least 2 weeks before your travel you can get a flu vaccine for the antibodies to be activated but don’t wait whenever you’re just traveling: get a vaccine whenever you can. You have to get yourselves vaccinated, you don’t need to wait whenever you travel. Go to your doctors for your shots and their recommendations.

 

Host: What if there are people who might feel that their antibodies are working just fine, what else should we take into consideration when getting a flu vaccine and why should we get it?

Dr. Velasco-Aro: People might think that, yes, their antibodies are fine and we do have healthy habits. But we want to optimize getting ourselves healthy and be vaccinated (other benefits: less absenteeism from work, less complications from diseases or hospitalizations, and also we are preventing the people around us from getting sick as well. In helping ourselves, we’re also protecting around us)

 

Host: Are there specific groups who are more at risk?

Dr. Velasco-Aro: Everyone can get the flu, as early as a 6 month old. Who is the most vulnerable? These children, parents, and grandparents are vulnerable to getting the flu. Even pregnant women are at risk of severe complications from having a flu. We may be actually okay but the people around us are at risk especially our parents with chronic conditions (asthma, COPD, diabetes, or heart diseases).

 

Mr. Dionisio: Doc you said that the flu circulates year-round, how can I prepare? Does this virus change? For example, can it be more prevalent?

Dr. Velasco-Aro: The flu changes or mutates yearly; which is why it getting a flu vaccine yearly is recommended (Mismatch - even though you were vaccinated last year, you might think that it's okay and you are protected already but as I’ve mentioned your immunity also drops and the circulating chain is differ from year-to-year. That’s why annually you have to get your shots and go to your doctors because getting your flu vaccine yearly would actually reduce your likelihood of getting the disease by 40-60%.)

 

 

 MAKE THIS YOUR YEAR AND BE #UNSTOPPABLE!

To know more about the benefits of flu vaccine and to get your flu shot, talk to your healthcare provider today.

 

A Health Service Message brought to you by GSK

For Philippines Audience Only

NP-PH-FLT-PINF-230001| March 2023

 

Full prescribing information available upon request.

Trade marks are owned by or licensed to the GSK Group of Companies

© 2023 GSK Group of Companies

 

Kindly forward all adverse events and product complaints to

GSK Philippines via these contact details:

Adverse events: ph.safety@gsk.com

Product complaints: PHLOC_complaints@gsk.com

or 0917 889 7050.

 

GlaxoSmithKline Philippines Inc.

23F The Finance Centre, 26th St. cor. 9th Ave.

Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City

Tel No. (632) 8892 0761

 

 

 

 

 

Medical care brought closer to low-income families in Cagayan

While access to quality healthcare continues to be hampered by challenges, medical missions have become an increasingly vital source of support for low-income communities. Through time, they have gone beyond providing medical care and have taken up a new role: transforming the lives of individuals and communities.

The SM Foundation, Inc. (SMFI) recognizes just this, so it has made its mission to travel from Luzon to Mindanao to provide free medical care and services to thousands of patients from various hard-pressed communities. 

Just recently, the medical mission team headed to the cities of Tuguegarao and Cauayan in Northern Luzon and provided services to thousands of low-income families. Two of them are Roland Bariuan and Angeline Cacanindin.  

Strength to do more

Roland has been a tricycle driver in Tuguegarao City since 1994. But, two years ago, he suddenly felt weak and had to spend money on medical consultations and examinations. 

“Napansin ko na kahit malakas ako kumain, namamayat ako at nanghihina. Nalaman ko na may diabetes na po ako. Pero hindi pwedeng pabayaan ko ang sarili ko. Hindi pwedeng maging tamad ako dahil may sakit ako. Kung tamad po ako mamasada, wala kaming pangaraw-araw at gagastushin pambili ng gamot,” he shared.

Determined to care for his health, he goes to the city health office for his routine checkups. The same drive to boost his health is also what led him to SM group’s medical mission, led by SMFI: “Dahil magastos po magpagamot, kadalasan po akong pumunta sa city health office para sa

lahat ng aking checkups. Ngayon, nataon pong nalaman kong mayroon medical mission dito sa SM City Tuguegarao.”

Through the medical mission, he received free consultation, blood tests, x-ray, and medicines–services that would break the bank if he had it done elsewhere. With the assistance extended to him, he had his scheduled checkup without worrying about the finances and even managed to put aside money originally allotted for medicine and laboratory tests.

“Ang kinikita ko sa pamamasada ang ginagamit ko at ng pamilya ko para sa aming pangangailangan. Kaya mahalaga sa akin ang aking kalusugan. Ang magandang pangangatawan ang nagbibigay sa akin ng lakas para mas lalo pang pagsumikapan ang pamamasada,” he said.

“Pero bilang tricycle driver, hindi namin maiiwasang magkasakit dahil usok ang kasabayan namin sa pamamasada. Kaya malaking tulong ang libreng check-up sa ang libreng gamot mula sa SM Foundation. Malaking tulong ito dahil kahit papaano, hindi ko muna iisipin ang pang gamot ko,” he added. 

Making quality healthcare attainable

Roland’s fellow resident from Cagayan Valley, Angeline Cacanindin, knows full well the need to maintain a healthy body, for this is her tool to fulfill her duty as a house helper. She also believes that this is what her children can rely on as they strive in school.

However, her youngest daughter has been complaining about a toothache, which was already interfering with her nutrition and attendance in school. 

“Butas na po ang mga ngipin niya. Kaya tuwing kumakain po siya, pumapasok ang kanin at nasasaktan siya. Hindi na rin po siya makapag focus sa school dahil sa sakit,” she shared.

“Nito lang po, tumawag po ang teacher niya at sinabing umiiyak po ang anak ko per hindi umiimik. Nung kinausap ko po siya, nalaman kong sobrang sakit na po ng ngipin niya. Umiyak din po ako dahil ramdam ko ‘yung sakit. Hindi ko siya agad madala sa dental clinic dahil nasa trabaho po ako at mahal din po ang magpabunot,” she said.

When she heard about SMFI’s medical mission in SM City Cauayan, she immediately brought her daughter for a checkup. Here, her daughter’s tooth was extracted. She also received free paracetamol, antibiotics, vitamins apt for her child’s age, and dental hygiene tips from volunteer dentists.

“Ang medical mission na ito ay malaking tulong kasi libre po serbisyo pati ang mga gamot. Ngayon po, makakapagsimula muli kaming subaybayan ang kalusugan ng aming anak para maganda po ang kinabukasan niya.” she said.

Through the ongoing medical missions of SMFI, many economically disadvantaged individuals like Roland and Angeline get lifelines–an intervention that provides immediate relief to those in need and a chance to access medical care and resources that are often unavailable or unattainable.