Victory Liner health bus serves Capiz folk
MANILA, Philippines - Melanie Valencia, a 24-year-old mother of the Ati tribe, was one of the members of the indigenous community to benefit from Lakbay Buhay Kalugusan (LBK), the Department of Health’s health caravan in Dumarao, Capiz, in partnership with Victory Liner.
Heavy with child at eight months and with her eldest child in tow, Valencia said she could not pass up the opportunity to avail herself of the free health services. While waiting for the medical consultations, she and a hundred other Aetas took part in the health promotion activities, visited the exhibits, and participated in health-oriented games.
Several other pregnant mothers braved the heat and lined up as early as 7 a.m. to avail themselves of the prenatal check up at the LBK Bus, a customized bus replete with clinic and examination areas.
Victory Liner donated the bus for this specific health program, aiming to “look for opportunities to help the marginalized sectors of the society.†Marivic del Pilar, Victory Liner marketing and treasury head, also reiterated that through the program, “we are able to look forward to a future when parents will be knowledgeable enough to keep their families healthy and productive. “
Despite the overbearing heat and humidity, the crowd gathered at the fiesta-themed health event at the Dumarao Sports Complex to avail themselves of medical consultations, health services and medicine. Program beneficiaries included those belonging to the marginalized sectors, beneficiaries of the DSWD’s 4Ps program, indigenous folk, senior citizens, and pregnant mothers from 33 barangays.
The event initially targeted 1,300 people, but the crowd easily exceeded 2,500.
Senior citizens availed themselves of free pneumonia vaccination, while others sought dental services, free medical checkups, prenatal and child care services and other health information, and education services, efficiently manned by 245 staffers and volunteers from the provincial health office, and local government staff support.
A separate area manned by volunteers was set up for children to play in while their mothers were getting checkups and attending health classes. Teenagers and students also visited the interactive exhibits and attended health classes in the afternoon. A civic parade around town, a variety show, and games for participants and volunteers were also held, adding to the festive atmosphere.
According to provincial health officer Dr. Samuel Delfin, most of the poorest members of the community, particularly the indigenous folk, do not really get a chance to get regular checkups. However, he was pleased to note that many of them were made more aware of healthy practices, particularly facility-based deliveries because of the event.
The LBK Kalusugan Pang-kalahatan on Wheels campaign focused on prevention and health education services. A comprehensive health promotion caravan, it aims to bring information and education to families in remote communities.
For 68 years now, Victory Liner has been at the forefront of reaching communities, providing travelers with the largest bus transportation in key North Luzon locations. Its goal, however, does not end there, as it also gives time bringing people toward community health care awareness and services.
Victory Liner may be reached through https://www.victoryliner.com/contact-us/, follow at twitter@victorylinerinc, like https://www.facebook.com/VictoryLinerFanPage, and e-mail at info@victoryliner.com.
