Waking a step closer to serving the underprivileged in the Philippines, JAC Liner, Inc. has officially launched its Alagang JAC Mobile Clinic last May 2, Monday at its EDSA bus terminal.
The morning was filled with so much chatter of excitement and hope - from the owners, to the management, partners, and to the public who have registered and lined up for the free health services. It was a day that the Lord has made, indeed!
Over 100 individuals received medical, dental, and optical care from the medical team of Operation Blessing Foundation Philippines (OB). General doctors and specialists joined in the celebration to provide medical care; free medicines from OB’s pharmacy were also distributed. Dental check-ups, procedures and oral care were offered. Those who have been in need of eye check-up finally had the chance to have free visual acuity test and were given prescriptions. Through OB, counseling was provided to the patients, receiving prayers and Bibles even!
What can get better than that? Free massage was also offered to those who were waiting in line!
How did the Mobile Clinic came about, you ask. It is really through the owners, Mr. Jaime and Mrs. Aida Chua’s, passion to reach out to the Filipino poor. Understanding that the basic needs of men must be met to fully capacitate them, JAC, in partnership with OB, carefully planned and designed the first Alagang JAC mobile medical and dental bus with the guidance of Dr. Kim April Pascual – Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, OB and Nurse Korina Marie Torres, RN – Medical Missions Coordinator.
It took months and months of preparation, prayers and actual building of the bus. And when it was completed, everyone was in awe and excitement, imagining how the bus will be reaching far-flung areas of the Philippines for free medical and dental services.
It is no secret that Filipinos from poor communities need to travel hours and hours on foot just to get to a health center, if there is any in their town. Those who are not able, sadly, do not receive any medical care needed, no matter how grave their illness is. Medical practitioners leave their hometown for better income and opportunities. Medical missions are scarce due to limited sources of funds and access to roads and communities.
This is why JAC is using its resources to help – through the Mobile Clinic, Filipinos from unreached areas will be given the opportunity to get free health care, receive medication and counseling. Through the fares that the riding public pays to JLI, communities are reached for better care response.
It is JACs hope that their buses will continue to bless and reach communities for the months and years to come through partnerships with different health teams and organizations.