Mariano Marcos
State University

Solsona residents receive free medical-dental care from MMSU and Rotary Club of Laoag Sunshine outreach

By Jareason Fabre

Residents of Barangay Juan in Solsona, Ilocos Norte, received free medical and dental services on October 12 during a joint outreach project organized by Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), the Rotary Club of Laoag Sunshine (RCLS), and St. James the Greater Parish.

This outreach initiative was part of MMSU's “ALAGA: Advancing Local Access to General Health and Assistance” program and coincided with the Feast of Our Lady of the Pillar, as well as the pastoral visit by Most Rev. Renato Mayugba, Bishop of Laoag.

Specialized healthcare volunteers from multiple MMSU academic units, along with community leaders, supported the medical-dental mission. The team from the College of Medicine (COM) was led by Dean James Patrick Peralta together with the Medical Student Council, while the College of Dentistry (COD) was headed by Dean Artemio Licos, Jr. Healthcare services were further augmented by the College of Health Sciences (CHS) under Dean Cheryll Didi Nellie Obra.

MMSU President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr., serving concurrently as Rotary Club of Laoag Sunshine President, spearheaded the club’s outreach. Expressing heartfelt thanks to everyone who pitched in, Dr. Manzano said the volunteers truly embodied what it means to serve above self. He noted that their hard work seamlessly aligns with MMSU’s push for "Comprehensive Community Service" through the SUCCEED Agenda.

The mission delivered targeted medical and oral healthcare services to the local community. Student volunteers from the College of Dentistry administered fluoride treatments to children and distributed oral hygiene kits to encourage good dental habits early in life. In addition, partner dentists offered free tooth extractions and minor oral surgical procedures, supported by the Philippine Dental Association–Ilocos Norte Chapter.

During the medical mission, medical doctors carried out thorough physical consultations and prescribed any required medications. To assist the volunteers, a team from the San Lorenzo Ruiz Medical Dental Charity Clinic joined in to provide medical consultations.

Faculty members from CHS managed the operational layout of the event, while the Department of Pharmacy took the lead in sorting and distributing the prescribed medications. The medical supplies and pharmaceuticals used were generously donated by the Provincial Health Office and the Drugstores Association of the Philippines—Ilocos Norte Chapter.

Lead organizer and COM Dean Peralta extended his appreciation to the volunteers and the local officials of Barangay Juan for hosting the mission. He described the outreach as a platform for medical students to learn and be exposed to community health services in line with the vision and mission of the College of Medicine.  

St. James the Greater Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Nolasco Pascua, Jr., also expressed gratitude to MMSU, the Rotary Club of Laoag Sunshine, and all participating volunteers for bringing vital health assistance directly to the townspeople as part of the parish's double celebration.