15/09/2025
𝗛𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗴 𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗼 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮 𝘀𝗮 𝗞𝗮𝗹𝘂𝘀𝘂𝗴𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝟭,𝟬𝟭𝟳 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗜𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗼𝘀 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗲
By: Maureen Michelle S. Sunio
In celebration of the birthday of President Ferdinand “B**gbong” Marcos Jr., Handog ng Pangulo para sa Kalusugan was simultaneously conducted on September 13, 2025, in seven (7) locations across Region I. The Ilocos Norte leg served a total of 1,017 patients from the province.
The activity was spearheaded by the Department of Health – Ilocos Center for Health Development (DOH-Ilocos CHD), in partnership with DOH hospitals and Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers in Region I, Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte, City Government of Laoag, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and various non-government organizations.
Present during the activity were Hon. Cecilia A. Marcos, Governor of Ilocos Norte; Laoag City Mayor Bryan Alcid together with his city councilors; and Dr. Paula Paz M. Sydiongco, Regional Director of DOH-Ilocos CHD.
The services offered included medical consultations, dental services, basic laboratory and diagnostic procedures, nutrition and psychosocial counseling, vaccination, advocacy lectures, and wellness services such as haircut, manicure, pedicure, and massage, as well as the distribution of assistive devices and food packs.
The Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center (MMMHMC) participated with the largest delegation of healthcare providers. Represented by its Medical Center Chief, Dr. Maria Lourdes K. Otayza, MMMHMC reaffirmed its strong commitment to extending specialized care and ensuring health equity to the people they serve.
Among the beneficiaries were Mr. and Mrs. Pedronan, residents of Barangay 1, Laoag City, who availed themselves of free medical services, laboratory procedures, and food packs. Mr. Pedronan, a stroke survivor since 2018, expressed his gratitude, saying: “Agyamanak iti adu ta adda ti tulong a libre, ken dagitoy agas a libre a naipaay kanyami a mag-asawa.”
(“I am very thankful because of the free assistance and medicines given to us as a couple.”).
Through its strong multisectoral collaborations and consistent participation in community activities, MMMHMC continues to be a reliable partner in bringing essential healthcare services closer to the people.
Photo Credits:
📸Rob Alfreid Mandac
📸David James Aniñon
