May 27, 2026
Tzu Chi conducts its 290th medical mission in Victoria, Mindoro
By Thania Florendo
Since 1995, Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines has continued its mission of bringing healthcare and compassion to underserved communities with limited access to medical services. For its 290th medical mission, the foundation extended its reach across rough seas—from Manila to Batangas Port, then to Calapan Port—before arriving in Victoria, Oriental Mindoro, for consultations and treatments conducted at Victoria Plaza Hotel on May 23 and 24.
Over the course of two days, the mission served a total of 2,482 patients, including 862 dental consultations, 837 general medicine cases, 542 pediatric consultations, 126 OB-Gyne services, and 115 minor surgical procedures.
The mission was made possible through the collective efforts of Tzu Chi volunteers and staff, together with 46 doctors from the Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA), 53 Tzu Chi volunteers, 163 volunteers from the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Victoria, 25 personnel from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), and nine volunteers from the neighboring municipality of Naujan.
Victoria Mayor Richard Inciong described the medical mission as a new and remarkable experience for the town.
“This is my first medical mission with Tzu Chi Foundation. Our previous medical missions were not as organized as this. It feels like we are building a hospital here in Victoria. The way everything is organized by the foundation is very efficient. They taught us how to improve the flow and process of the medical mission,” he said.
Throughout the activity, food and drinking water were distributed to patients, while free medicines were provided after consultations. Slippers were likewise given to beneficiaries, especially Indigenous Peoples and residents who arrived barefoot with muddy feet after traveling long distances from remote communities.
Before the day of the medical mission, information about the mission was disseminated through social media, barangay captains, and barangay health workers, resulting in a large turnout. The community response was overwhelmingly positive, with the rest of the local officials expressing gratitude and hopes for continued support for the municipality and beyond.
Dr. Leah Reyes, head of the Municipal Health Office of Victoria, said extensive preparations were made ahead of the medical mission. She noted that teams were assigned per function, covering logistics, medical support, venue arrangements, and coordination with partner agencies such as the Philippine National Police and General Services Office. Barangay captains also committed resources such as tents, tables, and chairs to support the activity.
“Health is very important. Many cannot afford private hospitals, so this kind of medical mission is a big help for the people of Victoria,” Reyes said.
Despite the summer heat and long queues, patients waited their turn as volunteers and staff assisted throughout the process. One of the mission’s priorities was serving Indigenous Peoples, particularly the Mangyan communities, who traveled long distances to receive care. Transportation support, including jeepneys, trucks, and police vehicles, was also provided for beneficiaries. The NCIP also ensured proper assistance and coordination for the needs of Mangyans.
From the Indigenous community, 25-year-old Marlyn Lepanyungan of Barangay Paitan, Naujan, arrived with her 3-year-old child, her 74-year-old grandmother-in-law Carmila Bato-Bato, and two grandchildren, Angela and Angelo.
During the pediatric consultation, Angelo was found to have tuberculosis and was immediately referred to the Municipal Health Office by Dr. Joan Bague-Grutas. The family was also provided with medicines and slippers, as they had arrived barefoot. The rest were checked and given medicines with proper instructions for intake.
“The services were good. We did not spend anything because everything was free. The doctors were kind, attentive, and caring. We never felt different. They treated us with care and guided us properly. Thank you very much for understanding and helping us Indigenous people,” Marlyn said.
Another beneficiary, 67-year-old Juana Valdez of Barangay San Gelacio, Victoria, walked about 15 minutes to reach the venue. She brought her older sister, who has high blood pressure and availed of general medicine services, and her grandchild, who underwent a free dental tooth extraction. Juana was also checked for back pain and received free medicines.
“The whole process was fast and efficient. This is a big help for us farmers who cannot afford check-ups. Aside from not having time to visit clinics or hospitals, we usually endure the pain because we worry about the expenses,” she said, leaving the venue extremely grateful and relieved.
Tzu Chi volunteer Josephine So noted that many patients were in critical condition, including children suffering from malnutrition and other severe health challenges. This highlighted the difficulty of access to healthcare in remote areas.
“It’s actually emotional to see the patients coming in. We know it is hard for them to travel just to get checked. Most of the children are weak and malnourished, they cannot stand on their own feet,” she said.
Tzu Chi volunteer Molita Chua added that some Indigenous children were in alarming conditions. “We saw an 11-year-old child who weighs only 10 kilos. It is very sad, they lack everything,” she said, as volunteers distributed biscuits, candies, jellies, and water to patients inside the venue.
She also added, “TIMA doctors have a very good heart. Although they arrived late at night on May 22, they still did their best to serve those in need. In some cases, they referred patients to the LGU for continued care.”
Dr. Maria Luisa Tan Gaw, a general pediatrician and TIMA member for 29 years, said many patients delayed seeking treatment due to financial hardship. Despite these challenges, she emphasized the importance of continuing outreach efforts.
She described volunteer service as a way of giving back for the blessings she has received, adding that Tzu Chi’s approach goes beyond treatment by focusing on education and long-term self-reliance.
Dr. Gaw added that she will continue volunteering “as long as her body allows,” and encouraged younger doctors to take part in humanitarian missions as a way of giving back.
This medical mission revealed the persistent gaps in healthcare and access for remote and Indigenous communities, and the power of collective action in bridging them. The consultations and operations are moments of relief for patients who had endured illness in silence. This mission stood as a reminder that while the need remains great, compassion and cooperation continue to turn distance and difficulty into care and healing.
Crossing rough waters became part of the journey for Tzu Chi volunteers and doctors bringing medical care to the island province of Mindoro.
Crossing rough waters became part of the journey for Tzu Chi volunteers and doctors bringing medical care to the island province of Mindoro.
TIMA doctors gather to deliver compassionate medical care during the two-day medical mission.
Tzu Chi volunteers Aileen Uy (left) and Winnie Yu, together with other Tzu Chi volunteers and staff, enjoy the two-hour ferry ride from Batangas Port to Calapan Port in Oriental Mindoro.
On May 22, all volunteers held a general assembly to brief everyone on their posts, roles, and tasks for the following day’s big event.
The surgery room was neatly arranged and well-organized. All necessary materials were brought by the Tzu Chi Foundation from its office in Sta. Mesa, Manila.
The Alangan Mangyan tribal leaders of the Indigenous Peoples opened the medical mission with a ritual and prayer spoken in their native dialect.
Dr. Rosa Fruto shared that it was not her first time in Mindoro, but it remains one of her favorite places. She also shared how she humbles herself before the Indigenous Peoples and shows utmost respect for them.
(From left) TIMA Head Dr. Jo Qua, Tzu Chi Deputy CEO Woon Ng, Victoria Mayor Richard Inciong, and Tzu Chi volunteer Rosa So joined all attendees in offering sincere prayers.
Most of the first in line on Day 1 were senior citizens and persons with disabilities, whose hope for healing made Tzu Chi’s arrival feel like a prayer coming true.
Most of the first in line on Day 1 were senior citizens and persons with disabilities, whose hope for healing made Tzu Chi’s arrival feel like a prayer coming true.
Dr. Jacob Rosales of the NCIP Central Office oversaw the assistance efforts and ensured that all necessary support for Indigenous Peoples was properly provided and coordinated.
Mayor Richard Inciong was accommodating to Tzu Chi’s requests and coordinated well with the deployment of LGU staff to ensure the medical mission was organized and able to serve a larger number of patients.
Before registration opened at 6:30 in the morning, patients had already arrived and were patiently waiting in line.
The foundation’s continued commitment to easing suffering is dedicated to people burdened by life’s circumstances.
The Municipal Health Office deployed its personnel to assist with registration, guiding, and supporting the attendees.
Volunteers dispensed vitamins and medicines for free after patient consultations and check-ups.
Municipal Health Office staff demonstrated genuine dedication in serving Victoreños as they worked together to assist patients and conduct blood pressure checks.
As lines for medicine distribution grew longer, volunteers worked with precision to assist waiting patients.
Long lines formed in the pediatrics area as many children needed immediate care.
Tzu Chi volunteer Johnny Kwok assisted local coordinators during the arrival of different groups of Indigenous Peoples, helping guide them through the registration process.
Marlyn Lepanyungan assisted her grandmother-in-law Carmila Bato-Bato during the consultation of grandkids Angela and Angelo by translating the doctor’s questions and instructions into their native dialect.
Carmila Bato-Bato said her youngest daughter, the mother of Angela and Angelo, died over a year ago. Since then, she has been caring for her grandchildren, bringing them to the medical mission due to recurring fevers.
A deeply emotional moment came as Carmila Bato-Bato expressed gratitude to Dr. Joan Bague-Grutas, with both visibly emotional and teary-eyed.
Marlyn Lepanyungan received the medicines so she could be guided by the instructions and properly relay them to Carmila Bato-Bato.
Skin conditions, infections, and malnutrition were among the most common health problems observed during the medical mission.
Several families in the pediatric section had brought all their children for medical consultations.
Dr. Ervina Joyce Santos shared that joining TIMA and participating in medical missions is her way of giving back to the community.
Tzu Chi volunteers Molita Chua (left) and Josephine So commended the dedication of the TIMA doctors, noting their commitment to waking up early for Day 1 despite long travel hours and a late-night arrival.
Minor surgery was among the services offered, with surgeons working efficiently to attend to patients who had long endured pain and discomfort.
Dr. Ma. Luisa Tan Gaw, stationed at the General Medicine section, shared that one of her most memorable experiences was participating in Tzu Chi Foundation’s medical education programs in Taiwan, particularly the “silent mentors”—donated bodies used in medical training. She said the program instilled in her a deep respect for selflessness, as well as the importance of learning with gratitude and dignity.
Senior citizens were given priority during the medical mission, ensuring they received timely consultations and assistance throughout the process.
A dental patient distracted himself from the fear and pain of an extraction by reading a Tzu Chi pamphlet during the procedure.
The dental team recorded the highest number of cases, with long queues observed on both Day 1 and Day 2. Despite the volume of patients, they were able to serve a total of 862 consultations.
The dental team recorded the highest number of cases, with long queues observed on both Day 1 and Day 2. Despite the volume of patients, they were able to serve a total of 862 consultations.
Beneficiary Juana Valdez accompanied her grandchild to the dental section for a tooth extraction after her own consultation at general medicine for back pain.
Alert and thorough, the pharmacy team ensured that the correct medicines were properly prepared and released for distribution to patients.
Patients received free medicines after consultations, with orderly queues observed at the pharmacy.
Slippers were distributed while patients waited for their medicines, bringing smiles to their faces.
Slippers were distributed while patients waited for their medicines, bringing smiles to their faces.
Busy throughout the activity, the kitchen team served vegetarian meals to volunteers, doctors, and patients in line.
The gratitude night featured a spread of food enjoyed by everyone.
TIMA doctors and volunteers joined a sign language performance, reflecting their joyful service and shared compassion for patients.
TIMA doctors and volunteers joined a sign language performance, reflecting their joyful service and shared compassion for patients.
A sign language performance by the doctors showcased their versatility beyond clinical and surgical work.
A sign language performance by the doctors showcased their versatility beyond clinical and surgical work.
A dance performance by Victoreños added a festive and joyful atmosphere on gratitude night.
In recognition of her coordination efforts, Dr. Leah Reyes (center ) received a certificate and a token of appreciation from Tzu Chi Deputy CEO Woon Ng (left) and Education Committee Head Rosa So (right).
Victoria Vice Mayor Joselito Malabanan shared in his remarks his support for the initiative and his gratitude to everyone involved.
A satisfied dental patient took a selfie with the doctor after receiving treatment.
The dental team remained busy throughout the day as more patients continued to line up. The efforts of staff, aides, and assistants helped ensure the smooth flow of operations.
The dental team remained busy throughout the day as more patients continued to line up. The efforts of staff, aides, and assistants helped ensure the smooth flow of operations.
Doctors from various specialties took photos before proceeding to their assigned posts.
The surgery team was ready and fully prepared for the day’s operations.
During the gratitude night, TIMA doctors, together with Tzu Chi volunteers, Vice Mayor Joselito Malabanan, and Mayor Richard Inciong, awarded certificates to the participating doctors.
Tzu Chi volunteers, together with LGU partners and other volunteers, took a group photo to mark the successful medical mission.