Multisectoral collaboration aids isolated Kapampangan community

COASTAL VILLAGE Transporting medical and food provisions to Barangay Consuelo by boat. —CONTRIBUTED

The coastal community of Barangay Consuelo in Macabebe, Pampanga, has historically faced isolation during typhoons. It is accessible from the mainland only by a narrow bamboo bridge or small for-hire boats.

Home to around 1,000 Kapampangans whose livelihoods revolve around fishing and oyster gathering, the barangay has little access to medical and dental facilities.

Leading fiber broadband and technology provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. has teamed up with the Pi Sigma Delta Sorority, Paragon Supreme Council of Pampanga and the Inner Wheel Club of Taguig to conduct on Oct. 12 the Macabebe Mission, which offered free medical checkups, including diabetes screenings, as well as dental services like tooth extractions.

HEALTH CHECK Residents line up for medical/dental consultation beside a pop-up free pharmacy. —CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

Converge facilitated the distribution of dental kits and grocery packs while also conducting a training session on safeguarding children from online sexual abuse and exploitation, reaching 150 families.

Inner Wheel led a short lecture on proper dental care.

“It’s inspiring to witness how multinational, nonprofit and school-based organizations combine forces and achieve social impact. We are glad to be part of this effort with our Days of Giving Program leading to the celebration of our 50th founding anniversary, truly embodying the twin principles of Paglingkuran ang Sambayan ng may Dangal and Paragon of Self-Development,” says Cecille Garcia, who chairs Pi Sigma Delta Sorority’s 50th anniversary steering committee.

CARAVAN Volunteers distribute grocery packs after a short briefing to protect family from online sexual abuse and to promote dental care.

Building resilience

Jennifer Ambanta-Realubit, Converge manager and head of community relations, emphasizes the importance of collaboration with other organizations to tackle critical health and safety issues. “As an organization capable of reaching vulnerable communities, we see it as our duty to partner on these essential initiatives,” she states.

Jay-Anne Encarnado, vice president and head of corporate communications and public relations at Converge, shares hope that these efforts will help build resilient communities, stating, “We are committed to exploring ways to leverage our strengths to empower unserved and underserved areas.”

In addition, Unilab Foundation donated over-the-counter medicines, which were distributed during the medical outreach, supported by doctors and dentists from the Inner Wheel Club and Pi Sigma Delta Sorority.

The Macabebe mission also included fun activities for children, along with the distribution of slippers.