PAF marks anniversary with medical missions

CEBU, Philippines - The 560th Air Base Wing of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) partnered with Operation Blessing Foundation Philippines (OB), Rotary Club of Mactan, and Rotary Club of Cebu North during the recent medical missions in Metro Cebu.

This series of medical mission - held August 28, 30, and 31 - was part of PAF unit’s month-long activities in line with its 42nd anniversary celebration this September. 

A team of volunteers from Operation Blessing and the Air Force brought free healthcare services to Barangay Canduman in Mandaue City and Barangay Busay in Cebu City.

The medical mission came just in perfect time for many residents, like Jerome Sayson. The morning before the outreach, he accidentally wounded his left thumb with a bolo while gathering firewood.

Immediately, Jerome’s mother brought him to Busay barangay hall, which was transformed into a small “hospital” with volunteer doctors in every room. The 13-year-old boy underwent surgery for free, saving the vital ligament in his thumb.

The three-day activity culminated in a medical mission inside Brig Gen Benito Ebuen Air Base in Mactan. PAF servicemen and their families availed themselves of medical checkups, tooth extractions, surgical services, reading glasses, and medicines—all for free!

“We would like to thank OB for extending us this help you provided for the past three days. Surely this adds color and meaning to our 42nd anniversary celebration,” said Colonel Raul Dimatatac of the 560th Air Base Wing.

“We are looking forward to future partnerships in support of social development in serving our people,” he added.

The medical mission served more than 2,000 individuals. It was also a testament of genuine bayanihan between Operation Blessing, the Air Force, Rotarians of Cebu, local government units, local churches, and generous Cebuano donors. Every volunteer offered their time, expertise, and hearts of service.

This successful outreach came on the heels of another fruitful OB medical mission last July in San Remigio, Bogo City, and Mandaue City, where more than 11,000 people benefited in six days.

This year, Operation Blessing increases its presence and humanitarian services in Cebu with hopes of establishing key partnerships that will help launch an OB Visayas office in the city, reaching out to more indigent and disadvantaged people in the region. — /LPM (THE FREEMAN)