Med Mission 2013: Lingkod-Alay ng GeneSoc

Written by Gessa Ramos

Last July 28, one of the pioneer organizations of VYLH-Philippines and the coordinating group of the UP Los Banos (UPLB) Chapter, The UPLB Genetics Society (GeneSoc), conducted its annual medical mission at Barangay Bagong Silang, Los Banos, Laguna - a community located within the Mt. Makiling Forest Reserve which can only be reached through a horse backride or a hike. GeneSoc's Medical Mission was held in connection with the organization’s outreach program and advocacies. 

The outreach program benefited 107 residents for general check-up and 20 for dental check-up. Free medicines were also provided. Simultaneously, VYLH Committee Head for AY 2013-2014, Veronica Page Chavez and the VYLH-Philippines Region IV Coordinator, Gessa Ramos, along with other members of the organization, shared the importance of folic acid with the residents of the barangay. Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin which is commonly found in leafy green vegetables, breads and cereals. This vitamin plays a vital role in fetal development, specifically in the neural tube. Also, information regarding the importance of newborn screening in the early detection of congenital metabolic disorders even before clinical manifestations was shared. These talks were in line with two VYLH-Philippines advocacies: the Folic Acid Awareness Campaign and Newborn Screening Promotion.

GeneSoc’s Medical Mission 2013 concluded with the awarding of certificates of recognition to Dr. Gracielle Banares, Dr. Yucel Estrada, Dr. Resa de Jesus and Dr. Gerald Avendano. Certificates were also awarded to Brgy. Bagong Silang for warmly accepting the medical mission team. The organization’s Outreach Program Committee Head, Jamaica Ann Caras closed the event by giving a short message of gratitude to the residents who participated, the volunteers who helped, and everyone who made the activity possible.

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Ms. Gessa Ramos is a BS Nutrition student at UPLB and member of The UPLB Genetics Society. Before becoming the coordinator for Region IV, Gessa became the VYLH Committee Head of GeneSoc and one of its representatives to the Network.

Photo Credits The UPLB Genetics Society