Uniting for Good: Rotary Delivers Free Healthcare to 200 Patients

Kyōryoku (協力) signifies cooperation — people working together toward a shared purpose.

On November 22, 2025, this spirit of bayanihan and kyouryoku came alive through our Medical–Dental–Optical Mission. The initiative brought together volunteer doctors, nurses, partners, sponsors, Rotary Club of Ortigas Center and Rotary Club of Fukaya North—each contributing their time, expertise, and resources to serve the community with compassion and dignity.

Held at the Graceway Bible Baptist Church in Barangay Santo Tomas, Pasig City, the mission provided essential healthcare services to families and individuals who often struggle to access preventive care. For many Filipinos, regular health checkups remain limited due to rising medical expenses and lack of accessible services. This project offered relief across three critical areas:

Dental Services: Preventing Bigger Problems Before They Start 

Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in the Philippines, affecting more than 7 in 10 children and a large majority of adults. Yet a simple tooth extraction in private clinics can cost ₱800–1,500, while a dental cleaning ranges from ₱1,000–2,500—amounts often out of reach for low-income families. Untreated oral problems can lead to infections, missed school days, and long-term complications. Through our mission, patients received free extractions, consultations, and oral hygiene guidance. This was made possible through our partners from the Philippine Dental Association – Pasig Pateros Taguig Chapter, Autencio Dental Clinic, and MegaDental Specialists.

Optical Services: More Than Eyeglasses

Many believe that wearing eyeglasses is the automatic fix for blurry vision but proper diagnosis is essential. Conditions such as astigmatism, cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy require medical evaluation, not just corrective lenses. A comprehensive eye checkup in private clinics can range from ₱500-1,000, while diagnostic procedures can cost several thousand pesos. Through our partnership with the Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology, Metro Manila Ophthalmology Society, and The Medical City – Department of Advanced Medical Education, patients received free eye screening and ophthalmologic assessment from trained residents and fellows, empowering them to better understand their eye health. MTC Optical generously donated reading glasses, while Asian Eye Institute provided free frames.

Medical Checkups: Early Detection Saves Lives

Routine consultations are vital, especially for individuals managing hypertension, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses. Maintenance medications can cost anywhere from

₱800-2,000 monthly—forcing many to forego checks and delay treatment. Medical volunteers from Generika Drugstore, Pasig Child’s Hope Hospital, and Graceway provided free consultations, vital signs screening, and medical advice to help patients understand their conditions and access appropriate treatment pathways. We also distributed free prescription medicines in partnership with Generika Drugstore and Auspicia, with additional support from Universal Robina Corporation, Tita’s Choice, and Anytime Kravingz for snacks and freebies.

In total, the mission served 200 patients, each one receiving care they would otherwise postpone due to cost or limited access. This service project demonstrated how collective action — Rotary, medical partners, and community volunteers — can unite for good and bring change to families who need it most.

Submitted by: Rtn. Myron Montefalcon, Rotary Club of Ortigas Center, Rotary International District 3800