Over the past several months, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has expanded education and medical assistance to areas of need throughout the Philippines.
First reported by the Church’s Philippine Newsroom, here are four articles about how the Church and its members are supporting the community.
Isabella School Receives Donation of Educational Equipment
On June 23, the Cabagan School District in Isabela, Philippines received a special donation from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The donation, consisting of essential educational resources and computer equipment, provided both elementary and secondary schools with supplies that will help improve the quality of education in the region.
The donation was made in support of the Reading Enhancement Assistance and Development project, also known as the READY project, according to a news release. The initiative was initiated by the district’s education leaders, Mr. Jesus C. Malayao and Dr. Nita G. Parogan, and aims to improve student literacy and provide access to higher quality education.
“Education is a powerful vehicle for personal growth, self-reliance, and community advancement,” said Tumawini Philippines Stake President Jasper D. Alapitan. President Alapitan represented the Church at the donation ceremony held at Kabagan Science Elementary School.
“And collaborative efforts like Project READY can create a lasting and meaningful impact for future generations,” he said.
The church donated computers, printers, folding tables and a heavy-duty laminator machine to the project. President Alapitan emphasized the Church’s commitment to providing students with access to educational tools and opportunities.
Church donates medical equipment to Bay District Hospital
On May 7, more than 100 people attended the formal donation ceremony of medical equipment from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to Bay District Hospital in Bay, Laguna, Philippines.
The donation coincides with the opening of the new free chemotherapy center, according to a news release. The donation included a variety of essential medical supplies, including five electrocardiogram machines, 20 infusion pumps and nebulizers, heart monitors, surgical supplies, and hospital bed mattresses.
San Pablo Philippines Stake President Ronel R. Catungos attended the ceremony and elaborated on the purpose of the donation.
“One of the fundamental purposes of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is to care for the poor and needy,” he said. “This gift from the Church is intended to fulfill this purpose. We believe that we are all brothers and sisters, children of our Heavenly Father.”
Dr. Nathaniel V. Laros, hospital director at Bay District Hospital, detailed what the new equipment means for both physicians and the patients they treat.
“Given the limitations of our equipment and supplies, it will have a significant impact on all patients,” he said. “This increases our ability to provide services beyond what we already have.”
The opening of the new chemotherapy center will be the third public center in the province of Laguna.
It is equipped with 20 chemotherapy machines and can treat up to 40 patients per day. The government-funded Philippine Health Insurance Corporation provides full coverage for all cancer treatments, whether the patient can afford the treatment or not.
The ceremony was concluded by Bishop Rey John Estela, Bishop of Calauan District, who offered a prayer to dedicate the new facility.
San Pablo Stake collaborates with Red Cross on community blood drive
On the morning of May 2, members of the San Pablo Philippines Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gathered at the stake center to donate blood.
Volunteers worked with the city’s Red Cross chapter to donate 17 units of blood directly to local health facilities and health care providers in the surrounding area, according to a news release from the church’s Philippine Newsroom.
“This opportunity to serve by donating blood is a service to our brothers and sisters, and we are doing a service to God,” said President Nephi L. Basco, second counselor in the stake presidency.
Each unit of donated blood provides lifesaving treatment options for up to three people. Donations from local members could save dozens of lives. The Red Cross branch expressed its gratitude to the volunteers who made this operation a success.
“We would like to thank everyone who helped make this annual project a reality. We hope that we can continue these acts of service to help more patients,” said Cecile Cortes Manalo of the local chapter.
The blood drive not only provided resources for future patients, but also had a meaningful impact on the donors who participated. Lester Matthew Suarez Lim was one such donor.
“From my personal experience, I’m glad I was able to donate this time,” he said. “I didn’t qualify last year. I felt like I was somehow able to help someone who needed blood.”
At the end of the drive, local leaders called on donors to continue participating in the lifesaving blood drive, which organizers said has an impact far beyond the time spent donating.
Church donates eye surgery machine to medical center
Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC) serves as a regional hospital serving millions of people in the Iloilo region of the Philippines. It is also home to an ophthalmology training program and received an eye surgery machine from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on April 22nd.
“These valuable resources will not only help us deal with the ever-increasing number of eye patients, but will also enhance the training and development of our residents, enabling them to provide excellent, compassionate, life-changing care,” the Western Visayas Medical Center said in a report from the Church’s Philippine Newsroom.
This is a monumental step in eye care in the region and will provide residents with valuable experience as they learn how to handle advanced surgical techniques through hands-on training and prepare for a professional career.
Additionally, the church provided intraocular lens (IOL) implants to the hospital’s ophthalmology program. IOL implants are an important component in restoring or supplementing a patient’s vision. Donations of IOL implants, primarily used for cataract surgery, help provide vision to people who cannot afford private treatment.
The donation was made in collaboration with Lions Clubs International, a civic organization that aims to provide disaster relief, medical assistance, and community development programs throughout the Philippines.
