New Jersey nurses bring medical mission to Guimaras

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More than 1,000 residents of Barangay Avila in Buenavista, Guimaras, benefited from free health care and emergency support during a two-day medical mission led by the Philippine Nurses Association of New Jersey (PNANJ) and the Philippine Nurses Association of New Jersey Foundation.

Held on Jan. 12–13, 2026, the mission served 1,111 residents through free medical, dental, and wellness services in a community with limited access to health care.

Records showed that 298 patients, including children, received general medical and pediatric checkups, while other residents availed themselves of dental services.

Twenty-four patients underwent circumcision procedures, and several residents received free reading glasses.

Free haircuts were also provided as part of the outreach activities.

The mission was led by PNANJ President Dr. Jonathan Anotado Gapilango with the support of about 150 doctors, nurses, and volunteers from New Jersey and Central Philippine University.

Organizers said close coordination among the teams ensured the smooth delivery of services throughout the two-day activity.

Professor Emeritus Dula Faraon-Pacquiao, executive director of the PNA New Jersey Foundation, said the mission was made possible through fundraising efforts by PNANJ members.

She said the organization continues to support health programs in the Philippines, particularly in communities with limited access to medical services.

Faraon-Pacquiao also noted that PNANJ regularly assists in areas affected by typhoons, floods, and other natural disasters.

In addition to medical services, PNANJ and PNANJF donated emergency response equipment to Barangay Avila to strengthen local preparedness.

The donations included a stretcher, a spine board, two oxygen tanks, a wheelchair, and medical devices such as blood pressure monitors, Doppler equipment, and glucometers.

Sneakers were distributed to barangay health workers, while work boots were given to members of the barangay peace and order team.

“This equipment will help our responders act faster and safer during emergencies,” said Marley Nicholas, founder of the PNA New Jersey Foundation, in a joint statement with Gapilango.

They said the initiative reflects the group’s commitment to public safety and community service.

The mission also carried the theme “Bridging Borders in Nursing Education and Practice,” highlighting collaboration between Rutgers School of Nursing–Camden and PNANJ and PNANJF.

Key partners included the Asian Medical Students Association–West Visayas State University Chapter, the Philippine Red Cross–Iloilo Chapter, Guimaras State University, and the Barangay Avila local government.

The activity was coordinated by Marilyn Caldito, MSN, RN, who led efforts to bring together participating institutions and volunteers.

Additional support came from Buenavista Mayor Dr. Samuel Gumarin, the Dagyaw sa Karaydan Medical Mission Team, Diabetes Philippines–Iloilo Chapter, the Iloilo Medical Society, and the Institute for Studies on Diabetes Foundation Alumni Association–Western Visayas Chapter.

Organizers said the expanded partnership allowed the mission to better serve patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes.

Local officials and residents expressed gratitude to the organizers and volunteers for the successful mission.

PNANJ said it plans to return within the next two years as part of its continuing support for improved health services in Guimaras and other parts of the Philippines.