This year marked many firsts for BRAP, including the first biosafety and biosecurity symposium, the first biosafety and biosecurity forum in an academic context, and the formation of BRAP’s councils and component societies, which fuel BRAP’s advocacy efforts. This time, we veered away from the typical trainings and seminars as BRAP conducted its first community service project in 8 years! 

Conducting an outreach program is an awesome initiative and was once only a dream of Dr. Miguel Martin N. Moreno II for BRAP in its starting years. Fast forward to 2023, Incumbent BRAP President Ronaldo E. Puno made that dream into reality with the help of the Committee on Outreach Program and Community Services chair Mr. Lito G. Atienza, in cooperation with Brgy. Bucot’s punongbarangay Roman “Bobot” Gamboa III, who had been instrumental to the success of this event.

BRAP’s outreach program and medical mission was themed “Malusog na Mamamayan… Masiglang Pamayanan” and was aptly named as constituents of Brgy. Bucot in Aliaga, Nueva Ecija, enjoyed free laboratory services care of Prolab Diagnostics Co. and free eye check-up care of Dr. Josielyn Cruz and Mr. Norberto Cruz. Despite the onslaught of Typhoon Goring, laboratorians and teachers have volunteered their skills and time in helping and serving 217 adults and 153 children residents of Brgy. Bucot in Aliaga, Nueva Ecija.

A big thank-you is in order to our donors and sponsors:

1. Philippine Association of Medical Technologists, Inc. (PAMET)
2. Prolab Diagnostics Co. and Ms. Rosemarie Puno
3. Progressive Productivity Solutions (PPS)
4. Serodiagnostic Trading
5. Sysmex Inc.
6. KPC Healthcare Inc.
7. UST Med Tech Centennial Batch 1971
8. Mr. Felicisimo Martinez, Jr.
9. Ms. Nile Alconcel
10. Mr. Norberto Cruz/Dr. Josielyn Cruz
11. Ms. Narcisa Agustin
12. Franks N’ Burgers
13. PAMET Nueva Ecija Chapter (Ms. Grace Bacalzo)
14. Mr. Marcial Puno Jr. and Mrs. Melanie Puno

Additionally, massive hat-tip to these men and women behind the success of the first BRAP outreach program and medical mission, who braved the storm just to extend their helping hand:

1. BRAP National Officers
   -Mr. Ronaldo E. Puno
   -Dr. Miguel Martin N. Moreno II
   -Mr. Ariel Angelo B. Aquino
   -Ms. Michaella B. Sayo
   -Mr. Lito G. Atienza
2. BRAP NCR Component Society
   -Ms. Sanita Agcanas Vistal
   -Ms. Angelie Camille C. Silverio
   -Ms. Azazel Alpad
   -Ms. Annie Matrimonio
3. Med techs from Prolab Diagnostic Co.
   -Carla Janine Puno
   -Alfred Banez Jr.
   -Dennis Ilao
   -Benjamin Favoreal Jr.
4. Our Lady of Fatima University Nueva Ecija
   -Mr. Rojohn Sonny C. Cruz
   -Mr. John Daniel R. Dela Cruz
   -Ms. Rosalina Malaika Pararuan III
   -Ms. Jean Krissel V. Santos
   -Ms. Sophia J. Pangilinan
5. Sangguniang Barangay Bucot, Aliaga, Nueva Ecija.
   

Thank you to the organizers, donors, and volunteers who made this possible. It was indeed heartwarming and fulfilling at the same time.

“Faith in action is love–and love in action is service.” – Mother Teresa

 📷 courtesy of Mr. Joe Sarsoza of PPS.