February 28, 2022 — The UP Manila Ugnayan ng Pahinungod conducted a relief mission in Limasawa Island, Southern Leyte on December 27-30, 2021. Limasawa is one of the municipalities in the central-southern part of the country that sustained severe damage wrought about  by Super-typhoon Odette (Rai).

The relief mission was carried out by a team composed of 15 members, headed by its Director Dr. Eric SM Talens; volunteers from School of Health Sciences in Palo, Leyte led by Dean Fedelito D. Tandinco; and volunteers from the UP College of Medicine, UP Resilience Institute (UPRI), and Ugnayan ng Pahinungod – UP Cebu.

The team successfully overcame the challenges in transporting the relief goods such as road closures, bad weather, and rough waters. The members had a meeting with Limasawa Mayor Melchor Petracorta and its Municipal Health Officer, Dr. Kristine Leonido to conduct a needs assessment evaluation. They distributed medical supplies, delivered 200 relief/hygiene packs and 200 (20 gallon) containers of drinking water, delivered and demonstrated the use of the water filters and solar battery packs, and provided assistance and relief to an Ugnayan ng Pahinungod – UP Cebu staff residing in the area.

The University of the Philippines Medical Alumni Society of America (UPMASA) provided the initial funding for the mission. The Ugnayan ng Pahinungod – System office gave additional funding from individuals and organizations that  responded to the call for donations.
 

Luz D. Emano