‘Blue Initiative’ delivers free legal, medical aid to Iloilo City barangays

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By Mariela Angella Oladive

Residents from several communities in Iloilo City received free legal and medical assistance during The Blue Initiative: A Legal Aid and Medical Mission held March 15 at Ateneo de Iloilo–Santa Maria Catholic School.

The outreach program was organized by Ateneo de Iloilo–Santa Maria Catholic School in partnership with its Parent-Teacher Association, headed by Lovelyn Geduque, and the Alumni Association, led by Atty. Mark Gorriceta.

A total of 470 patients benefited from the activity, which provided medical consultations, free medicines, and basic health services.

Services included hemoglobin testing, bone density screening, glucose testing, HIV screening, and ear flushing.

Volunteer lawyers also offered free legal consultations and assisted residents in preparing affidavits.

They addressed legal concerns such as estate settlement, Violence Against Women and their Children cases, document corrections, adoption, and land-related issues.

The mission was supported by 57 doctors, seven lawyers, 29 medical students from West Visayas State University, 12 pharmacists, and 23 Ateneo student volunteers.

“This is really part of the mission of the Ateneo culture to do good for others. We really want to help communities. This is a way of giving back,” Gorriceta said.

He noted that the program is now in its second year and continues to expand its services.

He added that this year’s outreach was larger than last year’s, with more services and free medicines available to beneficiaries.

School officials underscored the importance of community service through initiatives such as the Blue Initiative.

Fr. Braulio M. Dahunan said the school supports activities that extend assistance to those with limited access to essential services.

“We really support this kind of activity because it gives services to those in need. This is free and it will really benefit the beneficiaries, especially those who cannot easily avail these services,” he said.

He said the initiative reflects Ateneo’s commitment to service.

“This is a community endeavor, and it shows what Ateneo stands for, that we are a community ready to serve others and rooted in our values,” he added.

Geduque said the outreach program was inspired by her personal experiences and exposure to grassroots communities.

“It started with a personal experience coming from a less privileged family. Those stories inspired me to make this medical mission happen,” she said.

She said the program focused on seven accessible barangays, including Bakhaw, Bolilao, Oñate de Leon, Tabucan, Taft North, San Rafael, and So-oc.

The outreach also included Ateneo’s adopted school, Feliciana Kelly Elementary School.

Geduque expressed hope that the initiative will continue to grow and reach more communities in the coming years.

She encouraged volunteers to continue sharing their time and expertise in the service of others.