The MJB Cares Foundation weld together with Mindanao Humanitarian Volunteers for Peace who conducted its 26th Humanitarian Mission on February 18-20, 2023 at Palapag, Northern Samar – a community suffering from the tempestuous plunge of coercion and terrorism. The organization traveled the distant, dangerous, and treacherous roads holding onto a sole thought: to serve.
This medical mission served a total whooping number of 1,822 beneficiaries in 32 municipalities. The services that were rendered were Cataract surgery, Adult Consultation, Pedia Consultation, Eye check-up, Circumcision, Laboratory check-up, Dental services and Arts for peace for children. This also includes distribution of reading glass, prescription glasses and 5kg rice for the Northern Samarnons.
We share this success with the following organizations who enormously contributed to this medical mission: Local Government Unit of Palapag Northern Samar, 20th Infantry Battalion Philippine Army, Mabuhay Deseret Foundation, Eye hear Foundation, Budjong Integrated Humanitarian Missions, 803 Brigade, See International, and Mother of Divine Grace Academy- Caloocan City.
“Despite na napakalayo, delikado ang biyahe, pinili niyo ang Palapag Northern Samar. Salamat at naway hindi ito ang huli niyong pag bisita dito sa bayan namin.”
– Hon. Florencio A Batula Jr, Mayor, Palapag, Northern Samar
“Kamurayaw, kapayapaan. All these years, ang CPPNPA ang nag hahari. Naway ngayon, ang mag hari ay ang kapayapaan. Mag tulong tulungan tayo upang makamit ang kapayapaan. Di naming kaya ng AFP lang. Di naming kaya ni Mayor lang. Mag ka isa tayo ito sa palapag.“
-Col Efren Morados (MNSA) PA, Commander, 803Bde, 8ID, PA
“We dare because we care. Misan ka layo ang palapag, we choose palapag. Kay kaning place ay GIDA: Geographically Isolated Disadvantaged area. We are one with the AFP’s mission to attain peace. We believe that with peace, there’s progress. Naga adto mi sa mga places na walay kalinaw. Mag dala kaayuhan sa lungsod. Okay lang kami bumayahe ng malayo basta makita lang naming ang mga ngiti niyo.”
-Dra. Maria Theresa Heyrosa, MD, President, Mindanao Humanitarian Volunteers for Peace
One resident of the area who resides in one of the distant municipalities went back to the area only to express how grateful he is because his family could not afford to buy the medicines that were handed out for free in this medical mission. He said that if not through this, he won’t be able to get the medical attention and medical service he needs. Hence, after the laboratory check-up, he now knows that his blood sugar level and blood cholesterol is elevated and therefore be more mindful of his diet and change his lifestyle.
The organization will continue to be a stalwart defender of peace and progress.