A community health initiative in partnership with Project HOPE, BCBP West, and ORNAP Northern Mindanao Chapter
Super Health Center, Barangay Miarayon, Talakag, Bukidnon | October 11 and 25, 2026
Bringing Essential Medical Care Closer to the Community
Accessing medical care can be challenging for families living in geographically remote communities. Travel, transportation costs, and the distance from hospitals and specialists can make it difficult for patients to receive the attention they need.
To help address this challenge, the Rotary Club of Cagayan de Oro East Urban (RCEU) partnered with Project HOPE, the Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals (BCBP) West, and the Operating Room Nurses Association of the Philippines, Inc. (ORNAP) Northern Mindanao Chapter to bring medical services closer to residents of Barangay Miarayon, Talakag, Bukidnon.
The initiative, titled Healing Hands for Miarayon, began with an ocular inspection and initial patient screening on October 11, 2026, followed by a minor surgical mission on October 25 at the Super Health Center in Barangay Miarayon.
Through the collaboration of medical professionals, civic organizations, and local community partners, the initiative helped patients access surgical procedures and connected others to further medical evaluation.
October 11: Initial Screening and Patient Assessment
The first activity took place on Sunday, October 11, when the medical team visited the Super Health Center to assess the facility, screen patients, and identify individuals who might benefit from surgical intervention.
The screening was led by Dr. Samuel Balo of CUMC and Dr. Joseph Ke-e, a colorectal specialist surgeon, with support from members of BCBP and the medical team. Also present were BCBP members Manny Tabamo and Ryan Jamito, together with Edwin Baynosa from Dr. Balo’s team.
RCEU was represented by Pres. Karina May Olavides, Jean Suzette Macapayag, Ann Aquino, Chona Palomares, and Past Presidents Daisy Tiu and Liluisa Dacudao.
Local barangay health personnel, including Michel Jean Labadan and Athea Marie Faizah Saumpil, also supported the activity.
The assessment identified the following needs:
- 22 patients underwent medical screening and assessment.
- 15 patients were identified as requiring surgical intervention.
- At least one patient was identified as needing referral to a hospital in Cagayan de Oro City for further evaluation or treatment.
Some cases required additional diagnostic procedures before treatment could proceed. The screening helped the medical team determine the next steps for patients and prepare for the scheduled surgical mission.
RCEU also recognizes Rtn. Su Macapayag for her work in preparing Barangay Miarayon and mobilizing community members for the initial screening. Community coordination was an important part of making the medical activity accessible to residents.
October 25: Healing Hands for Miarayon
Two weeks after the initial assessment, the medical team returned to the Super Health Center for the minor surgical mission.
On October 25, 15 patients underwent minor surgical procedures. Medicines were provided following the operations to support their immediate post-procedure needs.
Other patients were referred for further medical evaluation and were given instructions to proceed to CUMC for additional checkups. These referrals were an important part of ensuring that patients whose conditions required further attention could pursue the appropriate next steps.
The mission brought essential services directly into the community, reducing the need for patients to travel elsewhere simply to access the minor surgical procedures provided during the activity.
The work also demonstrated the value of coordinating screening, medical assessment, surgical care, and referral arrangements. Each stage helped the medical team identify patient needs and determine the appropriate course of action.
Health Awareness and Early Detection
The mission also included a cancer awareness talk led by Dr. Samuel Balo, the lead of Project HOPE.
The discussion covered different types of cancer, leading cancers, warning signs, and when to seek medical attention. It emphasized the importance of recognizing potential health concerns and consulting healthcare professionals when symptoms or changes require evaluation.
Health education complements direct medical services by helping community members understand when to seek care. Awareness and early consultation can help people make informed decisions about their health.
Project HOPE stands for Health Promotions, Operations, Prevention, and Early Detection. Its approach combines health education with medical services and the identification of conditions that may require further assessment or intervention.
A Partnership Built Around Community Needs
The Miarayon mission was made possible through the collaboration of organizations and individuals contributing different forms of support.
Project HOPE and its medical team provided medical expertise and coordinated the surgical services. BCBP West and ORNAP Northern Mindanao Chapter joined the partnership, while RCEU helped support community coordination and the delivery of the initiative.
The participating organizations worked together to bring the medical mission to the Super Health Center and help patients access the services offered.
RCEU extends its appreciation to Project HOPE, BCBP West, ORNAP Northern Mindanao Chapter, the medical team, local health personnel, and community partners who contributed to the initiative.
The club also congratulates Project Chair Daisy Tiu, VP Su Macapayag, Pres. Karina May Olavides, and Service Projects Chair PP Bing Dacudao for their leadership and work in supporting the project.
Continuing the Work of Community Health
Healing Hands for Miarayon forms part of a broader community health initiative that Project HOPE and BCBP have previously brought to underserved communities, including Claveria and Malitbog in Misamis Oriental. Their partnership with RCEU extends this outreach to Barangay Miarayon.
The October activities established a process that began with identifying patient needs and proceeded to surgical intervention for those requiring minor operations. Patients who needed additional evaluation were also directed toward further medical care.
Continued coordination and follow-up remain important, particularly for residents of geographically remote communities who may face transportation and access barriers.
For RCEU, the project reflects the importance of working with medical professionals and community partners to help people access healthcare services closer to home.
Healing Hands for Miarayon is a shared effort to bring care closer, support patients in taking the next steps toward treatment, and make community health a continuing priority.
Through partnerships and service, RCEU remains committed to creating lasting impact in the communities it serves.
