Medical Mission for the Dumagats of Sierra Madre

The UP Outdoor Recreation Group (UP ORG), in cooperation with the Philippine Science High School Class of 1996 (Pisay 96), will be conducting a series of medical missions for this year in two indigenous communities: namely, the Dumagat tribes in Sierra Madre and the Aeta Tribes in San Jose, Tarlac.

The Dumagats and the Aetas depend greatly on nature to survive but only on meager supply. The Dumagats have to take a 2-hour banca ride (if there is banca available to them) to get to Norazagaray, Bulacan to trade yantok for rice, salt, and medicines. On the other hand, the Aetas have to wait for the truck that comes to their place once a week. This is where they get the chance to trade their charcoal with some supplies that the truck had brought like instant noodles, junk foods, canned goods, and medicines, if there’s any. Without the truck, the Aetas will travel by foot, carrying loads of charcoal and will arrive a day after at the marketplace. This trading system emanated greatly from need of food and medicines, although, their medical and health needs were being set aside because they can only barter for rice and salt as main necessity.

The first of the med missions will be held on August 16-17 to benefit the Dumagats of Sierra Madre particularly in the area of Norzagaray, Bulacan.

WE ARE LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEER DOCTORS AND KIND SOULS WHO WOULD LIKE TO DONATE OR HELP SOLICIT MEDICINE FOR THE PROJECT.

Please contact Michelle (YM: micamaldita, Mobile: 09204469728, Email: mencomienda@gmail.com) to donate, volunteer, or for any questions or concerns.