MANILA, Philippines —The Philippine STAR was long based in Port Area, Manila, where it built its legacy and celebrated countless milestones.
Now, in its new headquarters in Sucat, Parañaque, The STAR is opening its doors to the neighboring communities. The company is creating new stories with the community it now calls home.
Through Operation Damayan's Alagang STAR Medical and Dental Mission held on July 8, residents from nearby communities received free medical and dental services, physical therapy, and other health services.
According to Emie Cruz, head of operations for Operation Damayan, the initiative introduces The STAR to its new neighbors while building meaningful relationships with the community.
The medical mission is one of the many initiatives carried out by Operation Damayan over the past decades. As The STAR celebrates its 40th anniversary, it continues to uphold its commitment to making a positive impact to the people it serves.
Sharing is caring
STAR President and CEO Miguel Belmonte shares that the medical mission is one way the company can serve the nearby communities, especially those who need medical attention.
He shares that this year is also special, as it is the celebration of the company’s 40th anniversary.
“We want to share the blessings that the company has been given all throughout these years,” says Belmonte.
Among those served during the medical mission was 70-year-old Ermida Salazar, a longtime resident of Barangay San Dionisio.
Salazar lives alone with no husband or children, while her relatives live far from her. She earns a living through doing other people’s laundry to help pay for rent, utilities, food, and other daily necessities.
"Ang edad ko ay 70 na, sakitin na. Kaya tuwing may mga nag-aalok na mga medical mission, palagi akong pumupunta para malibre po ako ng check-up at gamot," she shares.
With her limited income, Salazar says seeking medical care at a hospital is often beyond her means, as what she earns is barely enough to cover her everyday expenses.
Through the Alagang STAR Medical and Dental Mission, she received free medical consultations, underwent health checkups, and consulted a dentist, who extracted a tooth that had long made it difficult for her to chew and eat comfortably.
For residents like Salazar, the medical mission was more than a day of free services. It was a reminder that someone in the community cared.
While Operation Damayan provides people in need with access to essential healthcare services, it also gives The STAR the opportunity to meet its neighbors and amplify stories that deserve to be heard.
In moments like these, blessings are shared and communities are strengthened.
Stronger together
Nearly four decades since its establishment, Operation Damayan continues to embody The STAR's commitment to serving communities beyond journalism.
Through the support of its healthcare partners, civic organizations, and sponsors, the initiative continues to expand its reach and bring essential services to those who need them most.
The mission was made successful through the partnership with Las Pinas Doctors Hospital, The Philippine Dental Association - Paranaque Chapter, Medical Center Paranaque, San Juan De Dios Education Foundation, Philippine Academy of Family Physicians, Rotary Club of Paranaque Midtown, Hi-Value Multi Expert Diagnostic and Laboratory Center, and Callejo Medical Clinic.
It was also supported by UNILAB, Taisho Pharmaceuticals, Generika Drugstore, Angelo King Foundation, Maynilad, Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco, Rezostar Corp., Nova Wellness Store, Elvie Estabillo, and St. Peter Life Plan - Paranaque.