Ateneo conducts medical mission for Sumilao farmers

In 2007, farmers of the Higaonon tribe set out from Sumilao, Bukidnon, to Manila to fight for their ancestral land. During their stay at Ateneo de Manila University’s campus in Loyola Heights, doctors and students from the newly-opened Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health (ASMPH) volunteered to conduct medical services for the group. One of the students who volunteered was Cristal Laquindanum-Tan.

Fifteen years later,  Laquindanum-Tan, now a licensed doctor, learned that Ateneo would again host the Pamilyang Magsasaka (PAKISAMA) and Sumilao farmers. She approached Dr Norman Marquez, University Physician, to discuss the possibility of providing free medical consultation and services to the group when they arrive on campus.  The project was set in motion. Laquindanum-Tan sought the assistance of the ASMPH Alumni Association to look for volunteer doctors.  Dr Isabelle April Escobillo was one of the first responders. Escobillo, now an occupational health physician at the Office of University Health Physician and Clinic, helped coordinate the initiative. Money was raised to purchase medical supplies and medicines and food, drinks, and other tokens for the farmers and volunteers.

Twenty-four volunteers, mostly ASMPH alumni and medical students, arrived for the one-day medical mission (29 April 2022). A total of 25 members from the PAKISAMA and Sumilao farmers were treated and served during the mission. Aside from general consultations and wound care,  patients with requests for laboratory tests were also accommodated.

A follow-up medical mission by the University Clinic was conducted on May 2, 2022, and 8 other PAKISAMA and Sumilao farmers were seen and examined on that day. 

The University Clinic is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm, with consultation hours between 1-5pm. Consultations may be done at the clinic or through teleconsult via BluPHR.  

ASMPH is celebrating its 15th founding anniversary in 2022.