The Medical Outreach Mission Fellowship Initiative (MOMFI) traveled to Sagada, Mountain Province, from 1-2 February 2025. The invitation of an alumna to provide medical services to the residents of Poblacion or otherwise known as Patay in Sagada during the celebration of the Etag Festival. The mission aimed to address the diverse health needs of the community. A dedicated team of 20 volunteers, composed of 7 doctors, 2 interns, and 11 medical students, collaborated closely with local volunteers, health workers, dentists, and doctors to deliver consultations, wellness checks, dental extractions, eye exams, and patient education.
The provided services covered both adult and pediatric consultations, reflecting our commitment to comprehensive care across all age groups. Each consultation followed a standardized protocol, which included collecting general patient information, medical and surgical histories, vital signs, and a review of associated symptoms. Common adult health concerns included reproductive health issues, surgical interventions, chronic disease management, and maintenance medications. Pediatric care focused on developmental history and hygiene education tailored to children. Specialized treatments, such as ear, nose, and throat (ENT) consultations, dental care, and ophthalmology services, were also provided. Additionally, medications and reading glasses were distributed free of charge, alongside snacks and meals for patients.
Throughout the two-day mission, the team attended to more than 300 residents, addressing general health needs while fostering meaningful connections through shared stories and cultural engagement. However, several challenges were encountered. Language barriers limited communication for volunteers unfamiliar with Ilocano, which posed difficulties in building rapport with patients. The absence of adequate examination beds and private rooms restricted the ability to perform certain assessments in optimal privacy and comfort. Despite these obstacles, the collective resilience and adaptability of the team were strengthened by the involvement of junior interns and consultants, who offered valuable guidance and expertise.
The success of this initiative is evident in the positive impact MOMFI made on the residents of Sagada and visiting tourists alike. The mission demonstrated MOMFI’s unwavering commitment to the advocacy principles of the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (CICM) and the Sustainable Development Goals. This initiative directly supported SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being by delivering vital healthcare services. Through health education efforts, it promoted SDG 4: Quality Education. Collaboration with local health units reinforced SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, while promoting proper hygiene aligned with SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation. Furthermore, by assisting marginalized communities and Indigenous Peoples, the mission upheld CICM’s core advocacies of justice, peace, integrity of creation, and Indigenous rights.
