The FEU Nursing Alumni Foundation, Inc. USA (FEUNAF-USA), in partnership with the FEU Alumni Relations Office (ARO), and the FEU Alumni Association (FEU-AA) conducted a medical mission last June 2 in San Fabian, Pangasinan, with the support of the Guillermo B. De Vencia Eye Center.
The mission provided much-needed eye care services to the local community. Several patients were assessed and given prescription glasses, while a few underwent free eye surgery. Dr. Jan Edward Sayco, Dr. Jhanssen Faust Castillo, Dr. Michael L. Ong, and Dr. Mario Caguiao performed the surgeries assisted by alumni nurses and active members of FEUNAF-USA, Rossan Suanes-Cabiling, Priscila Longanilla, Desiree Vivas, and Robb Desierto.
Among the beneficiaries was Mercedez Cruz-Dizon, a 79-year-old resident who had been suffering from cataracts for a year after enduring a stroke. Financial limitations had prevented her from seeking medical attention.
“Sa hirap ng buhay, hindi namin kaya magbayad [sa operasyon]. Kaya sa mga libre pagamot lang kami umaasa,” she shared. (Facing hardships in life, we can’t afford to pay for an operation. That’s why we can only rely on these free medical services).”
According to Mercedez, the medical mission helped in lessening their medical worries. She expressed deep gratitude and hopes that more people will benefit from similar initiatives in the future.
Also present were former FEU Vice President for Academic Affairs Lydia Palaypay, Dr. Marilou Cao, and Roselily Chan, whose participation further highlighted the strong commitment of FEU alumni to the community service.
As part of a side initiative on the second day of the mission, the FEU-AA, represented by Dr. Marilou Cao and ARO director Celmer Santos turned over computer units to the children of San Fabian Mountain After School Center. The donation was followed by a basic computer training session aimed at equipping the youth with foundational digital skills.
This multi-faceted effort reflects the ongoing commitment of FEUNAF-USA, ARO, and FEU-AA to creating meaningful impact in healthcare and society, while giving back to the community. It also supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3: ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages.