For Racquel Lirios, seeing her two kids sick and scourged by months-long coughing was hard to bear. But it was her inability to bring her children and afford a doctor or even buy them medicines­ that bear more pain to her.

Hope came after she heard about UNTV Action Center’s medical outreach that would visit their barangay in Quezon City. So that day, she hurriedly went to the venue where UNTV’s People’s Day would be held.

Racquel’s family is one among thousands indigents from Brgy. Balonbato and nearby district in Quezon City who received free services offered by UNTV’s People’s Day last May 23.

“Yes, it’s absolutely free. It’s worth coming here,” Racquel was thankful for the complete medical assistance provided to her children.

After Racquel’s kids were subjected to chest x-ray, Dr. Katherine Valeroso, a volunteer doctor of the medical mission, performed a diagnosis to the siblings. The kids were suffering from respiratory upper track infection.

Beside the free diagnosis, Racquel also received free medicines for her children to help treat their viral infections.

Volunteer healthcare professionals take blood pressure of patients who came for medical assistance during People’s Day at Brgy. Balon-bato, Quezon City. (Photo by Photoville International)

UNTV Action Center and its healthcare partners rendered free chest x-ray, medical check-ups for adults and clinical tests including electrocardiogram (ECG), and random blood sugar (RBS). There were also consultations for babies and pregnant women.

“It’s awesome. This People’s Day event and all the medical services provided by UNTV is the first-time experience we had in our barangay,” said Brgy. Balonbato captain Roberto Orli, relaying that his and his constituents’ were delighted for the community outreach.

UNTV’s commentary program “Huntahang Legal” opens its desk in the venue for free legal consultation. (Photo by Photoville International)

This charity project in Brgy. Balonbato also provided beneficiaries with services that include eye examination, dental extraction, and physical therapy alongside free reading eyeglasses, haircut, and massage.

UNTV News and Rescue Team led first-aid session to equip participants with typical life-saving procedures during emergency situations.

For its part, the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth), one of UNTV’s partners, assisted residents in processing new membership application and clearing up matters on members’ benefits coverage.

Now on its third leg, UNTV People’s Day strives to extend its community development outreach in more barangays nationwide.

UNTV is also pooling volunteer groups and individuals who would partner with the broadcast station in its medical mission.

The event is one of the public service ideas of Kuya Daniel Razon, Chairman and CEO of Breakthrough and Milestones Productions International (BMPI), the content provider company for UNTV.

The next People’s Day will be a grand day for the senior citizens. The event will be held for two days on June 25-26 at the Philippine Trade Training Center, Pasay City as part of UNTV’s celebration of its 10th year.

Written by Carmi Tongol-Anecito