At least 200 residents received free medical and eye care services in an ongoing medical mission organized by first district Rep. Paolo Duterte and acting Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte II in Davao City.

Among the beneficiaries was 58-year-old Felipe Sarmo of Barangay 34-D, who availed of services on Friday, Nov. 7, in their barangay. He said the activity helped him save on medical expenses.

“I had my knee and neck checked because they were hurting. I cannot afford to have it checked in a private clinic. Now, I was given maintenance medicine for high blood pressure and diabetes,” Sarmo said.

Charina Moyong, 45, from another barangay in Bajada, said this was her first time availing of a checkup after experiencing health concerns for the past weeks. She added that consultations in a clinic near her place are costly.

“I have been constipated for the past few days. I have a stomach ache and back pain, so I took this opportunity to have it checked. I was prescribed medicine for it. I’m thankful for the free checkup,” Moyong said.

Jose Louie Paras, one of the participating doctors, stated that the medical mission provided much-needed services to residents in Barangay 34-D, who had limited access to regular healthcare.

Paras said most cases were related to high blood pressure, diabetes, and common viral or bacterial infections. He added that they provided maintenance medicine and refilled prescriptions for patients under regular monitoring.

Barangay 34-D Chairman Erlan Guevara thanked Rep. Duterte and Vice Mayor Duterte for their continuing efforts to provide health services for the people of the city, which have helped hundreds of residents in his barangay.

According to the Duterte father-and-son duo, the initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to ensure health services reach all communities. They vowed to continue to support initiatives that promote the welfare of the people of Davao City.