Tamaraws empower communities with free medical care

Residents of Barangays 462, 463, 464, and 395 in Manila recently received free medical consultations, health counseling, essential medicines, vitamins, snacks and toys, all of which are often difficult to access due to financial constraints. 

They said the third of Far Eastern University’s (FEU) series of medical mission outreach aimed to bridge the gap between healthcare accessibility and the underserved communities in Metro Manila was both healing and hopeful.  

“Malaking bagay na ma-check-up ng isang professional upang makita at mapaghandaan ang mga karamdaman. (Having a check-up with a medical professional makes a big difference—it helps detect health issues early on and prepare for them),” said one resident, expressing gratitude for the presence of attentive and compassionate medical volunteers.  

Through consistent outreach, FEU hopes to foster a culture of community involvement and holistic student engagement in real-world issues. The student volunteers played a central role in the mission’s success. For many, it was their first time engaging in such service. 

“Nakakatuwa at fulfilling makatulong sa ganitong paraan. Nakita ko talaga ang kahalagahan ng pagiging bahagi ng isang community. (It’s heartwarming and fulfilling to be able to help in this way. I saw the value of being part of a community),” shared one volunteer.  

Others who participated in previous missions noted improvements in organization, efficiency, and the holistic scope of the services provided. Their key takeaways included deeper empathy, strengthened communication skills, and a stronger sense of civic responsibility.  

“Ang kabataan ngayon ay hindi lang para sa sarili. Malaki ang maiaambag namin sa lipunan kung bibigyan ng tamang oportunidad. (The youth today are not just focused on themselves. We have so much to contribute to society—if only we’re given the right opportunities),” one student reflected. 

For the Institute of Health Sciences and Nursing (IHSN) students, the experience reaffirmed the values of their program. Beyond theory and classroom learning, the medical mission became a real-world application of their advocacy: healthcare as a human right and compassion as a core value. 

This activity is more than a one-day event—it is a reaffirmation of FEU’s commitment to social responsibility. By touching lives and uplifting communities, the university continues to fulfill its mission of molding service-oriented leaders and professionals.   

“Hindi lang ito tungkol sa gamot—ito ay tungkol sa malasakit. Sana ay magpatuloy pa ito. (This isn’t just about medicine—it’s about compassion. I hope efforts like this continue),” said another resident. 

Through its Community Relations Office, National Service Reserve Corps Core Group, IHSN, and Alumni and Relations Office, FEU brought its medical mission to Kapatiran-Kaunlaran Foundation, Inc., and to the people who needed it the most.