Medical mission reaches over 500 residents: Panay News, DGFFI bring to Pavia ‘service from the heart’ for 44th anniversary - Panay News

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Panay News and the Daniel G. Fajardo Foundation Inc., in partnership with sponsors and volunteers, offered a variety of free services including general health checkup, eye examination, haircut, massage, and circumcision for young boys, during the medical mission in Barangay Amparo, Pavia, Iloilo on March 29.

PHOTOS BY AJ PALCULLO

PAVIA, Iloilo – More than 500 residents of Barangay Amparo benefitted from the medical mission jointly conducted by Panay News, the No. 1 Regional Daily, and the Daniel G. Fajardo Foundation Inc. (DGFFI) on March 29, 2025 as part of the media company’s 44th anniversary celebration.

Held in partnership with sponsors and volunteers, the mission offered a variety of free services including general health checkup, eye examination, haircut, massage, and circumcision for young boys.

“For our four decades, ang Panay News is not only a pillar of responsible journalism but also a beacon of hope to all our constituents diri sa aton community,” said Panay News’ General Manager Caryl Espada, who spoke on behalf of Chief Operating Officer Daniel Fajardo II, also known as “SB Dan Fajardo” of Pavia.

“This annual initiative is more than just an annual tradition, it is a reflection of our deep commitment in serving the community and uplifting the lives of those in need,” Espada added.

Espada also expressed gratitude to the healthcare professionals and volunteers who made the activity possible.

“To our dedicated doctors, nurses, sa tanan nga volunteers, thank you very much sa inyo nga effort, sa inyo nga time, kag sa inyo compassion nga mapatigayon ang ini nga event. Madamo gid nga salamat,” she said.

Volunteer doctors from Iloilo Doctors’ College provide free medical check-ups.

Amparo’s Punong Barangay Andrew Almeria, one of the recipients of the free services, thanked Panay News and DGFFI for choosing their community.

“Nagapasalamat gid ‘ko sang daku sa Panay News nga ginpili gid ang amon barangay,” Almeria said.

Health practitioners from the Police Regional Office 6 lend a hand during the medical mission.

A resident gets checked up by Lieutenant Colonel Jussel F. Parlan (right), commanding officer of the Camp Peralta Station Hospital of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division.

Nurses and health workers from Fremont Dialysis Center

He emphasized that the initiative provided significant assistance to his constituents, especially those who could not afford medical care. With free medicines also distributed, many residents no longer needed to visit the town’s rural health unit.

“Naga-ubo ko, amo na nga nagpa-checkup man ako,” added Almeria, who availed himself of both the eye examination and massage services.

Romela Jancilan, 55, was among the first to register for a general checkup. She was grateful for the opportunity to receive treatment for her allergies.

“Siempre nagapasalamat nga naka-avail ako. Kay kon kaisa wala ako inogbakal sang akon bulong. Ti, maayo na nga diri may ginhatag nga bulong kag may vitamins pa,” Jancilan said.

Another resident, Jane Titong, 50, also benefitted from the free consultation and medication.

“Nagpa-check-up ako kay gina-ubo ako, sip-on kag hilanat. Daku ang akon pasalamat kay luwas nga free ang checkup, may free man nga bulong,” she shared.

Her son also availed himself of the free circumcision, helping the family save on healthcare costs.

For 72-year-old Narciso Jamoyot, the medical mission was a rare and valuable opportunity.

“The best, laking tulong sa taong-bayan,” said Jamoyot, who availed himself of both general and eye checkups. He noted that such services are especially beneficial for senior citizens and underprivileged residents who struggle to access basic healthcare.

Young and adult residents avail themselves of the free haircut offered by personnel of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division.

Young boys undergo free circumcision.

Residents get free eye check-up from Eye Supreme Optical.

Panay News and Daniel G. Fajardo Foundation Inc. also partners with Philippine Red Cross for the medical mission.

Residents get free massage.

The medical mission reflects Panay News and DGFFI’s continued commitment to extending public service beyond journalism, staying true to their motto of delivering “service from the heart.”

PARTNERS AND SPONSORS

Panay News and the Daniel G. Fajardo Foundation Inc. would like to extend its heartfelt gratitude to its partners and sponsors for making its 2025 medical mission possible.

• Philippine Red Cross
• 52nd Engineer Construction Battalion of the Philippine Army
• 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division
• International Pharmaceutical, Inc.
• Eye Supreme Optical
• Alpha Phi Omega (APO) – Pavia Chapter
• Fremont Dialysis Center
• Brgy. Amparo Council
• UNILAB
• Iloilo Supermart
• JS Layson
• Palm Conception Power Corp.
• PHILUSA
• Mercury Drug
• Carlo’s Bakeshop
• Yakult
• Altamedica Inc.
• Sens Mieux
• Gateway Hotel
• MX3
• Health Aid Pharmacy
• RFG Medical Pharma
• Josmef Medical Corp.
• Medice Pharmaceutical
• JM Pharmacy
• San Miguel Brewery