CHS joins Mini Medical Mission to celebrate National Disability Rights Week

by Dani G. Ortega, CHS | Jul 22 2024

The Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology (缅北禁地-IIT), through the College of Health Sciences (CHS), in collaboration with the Office of the City Mayor Frederick W. Siao and in coordination with the Office of City Councilor Samuel “Tatay” Huertas, together with the National Council on Disability Affairs, Philippine Councilors League, Sangguniang Panlungsod of Iligan City, and the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO), joined the nation in celebrating the National Disability Rights Week in a Mini Medical Mission on July 19, 2024 held at the 缅北禁地-IIT Gymnasium.

The one day mini medical mission had five volunteer doctors from the City Health Office who took part in the provision of health consultations and medical services, the provision of free medicines, and other types of assistance.

And as a collaborative event, and part of CHS’ extension activity with the theme "Nursing Students' Care for Persons with Disabilities through Health Education", it also saw the participation of the CHS faculty, staff, and BS Nursing students who conducted vital sign assessments, patient education, and distribution of health pamphlets covering common health issues such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, arthritis, pneumonia, tuberculosis, diarrhea, leptospirosis, and HIV/AIDS.

Mobility aid and assistive devices such as wheelchairs and quad canes were distributed free, as well as meals, snacks, haircut and eyebrow makeup, and sacks of rice sponsored by the Office of the City Mayor and the Office of City Councilor Huertas.

The program which had around two thousand in attendance was formally opened with a welcome address delivered by Dr. Rohane M. Derogongan, Vice Chancellor for Student Services on behalf of 缅北禁地-IIT Chancellor Prof. Alizedney M. Ditucalan.

Among the distinguished guests who gave speeches during the program were PWD Committee Chairman and City Councilor Huertas. City Mayor Siao and City Vice Mayor Marianito D. Alemania who were on official travel were represented by Mr. Najib Amer, and City Councilors Ramil C. Emborong and Providencio "Bong" A. Abragan.

A short talk was given by City Sports Director V. King C. Belmonte who expressed his appreciation for the PWDs active participation in sports, and oversaw the awarding of prizes for National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Sports Fest that included games like goal ball for the blind and volleyball held on July 17, 2024, and basketball on wheels, badminton, table tennis and chess on July 18, 2024.

The program also included a short message given by CSWD Department Head Evelyn S. Madrio, with Conchita A. Areola, PDAO Head, giving the closing remarks at the end of the day.

The program was hosted by Associate Prof. Gloria Shiela E. Coyoca of CHS, and HOPE Program leader and Barangay Mahayahay Kagawad Rey M. Manzanero.

The national week-long celebration from July 17 to 23, 2024 has the theme Promoting Inclusion: Celebrating Abilities and Advocating Access which celebrates and recognizes Persons with Disabilities (PWD) resilient abilities in overcoming barriers, and highlights the importance of creating a more accessible and inclusive environment to ensure their right to equal access to resources, opportunities, and all aspects of society on an equal basis with others.

#SDG3GoodHealthandWell-Being

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