Bridging care and changing lives in Barotac Viejo

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By Zedrick Señeres

There are days when public service feels especially real, and in Barotac Viejo, Iloilo, that spirit was on full display as the Fil-Am Valdez Charitable Foundation and the Rotary Club of Iloilo South mounted a meaningful medical and surgical mission for the community.

More than 600 residents benefited from the outreach, which offered medical consultations, surgical procedures, dental and optical services, cervical cancer screening, and free medicines and eyeglasses.

The initiative reflected the Valdez Foundation’s continuing commitment to uplifting underserved communities through accessible health care and education, while the Rotary Club of Iloilo South brought into action its enduring motto, “Service Above Self.”

Mayor Bong Tupaz and Vice Mayor Vivian Buenavista warmly welcomed the group, with the local government of Barotac Viejo extending full support to the mission.

Also backing the effort was the Iloilo Provincial Government under Gov. Ronnie Gabalda, along with uniformed personnel who helped ensure peace and order throughout the activity.

A strong team of volunteer health care professionals worked tirelessly to attend to the steady stream of patients, among them OB-Gyne residents and postgraduate interns from St. Paul’s Hospital Iloilo.

Leading the Rotary Club of Iloilo South was Dr. Elsie Locsin, whose guidance and commitment were instrumental in bringing together resources, volunteers, and partner groups for the large-scale undertaking.

Among the volunteer physicians was pulmonologist Dr. Rollin Tabuena, who treated many indigent patients suffering from flu, colds, and upper and lower respiratory tract infections, ailments partly linked to the area’s unpredictable weather conditions.

Also lending support to the mission was Victor Federico Acepcion, whose presence added to the strong sense of unity that defined the day.

What took place in Barotac Viejo was more than a one-day medical mission.

It was a reminder that when civic groups, local leaders, and medical professionals come together with genuine purpose, they do more than provide treatment — they restore hope, dignity, and faith in community.