In celebration of the 60th founding anniversary of the UP Manila College of Allied Medical Professions (CAMP), the faculty of its Dept. of Speech Pathology (DSP) conducted a three-day Therafree mission in Naga City from March 30 to April 1, 2023.

The TheraFree missions, first organized by the CAMP Alumni Association (UP CAMPAA) in 2002 for CAMP’s 40th anniversary, aim to provide free therapy services to Filipinos all over the country, particularly in underserved regions. This year marks the 20th year of offering free therapy services through these missions.

This particular mission was held in partnership with the UP CAMPAA and the Naga City government. Faculty members, lecturers, and alumni of the DSP provided free speech pathology consultation, screening, caregiver education and training, and home programs to Nagueños with communication concerns.

The constituents from UP Manila (Rozelle Francesca K. Bentulan, Lloeden Lois T. Cabacuñgan, Ellyn Cassey K. Chua, Pristine Ellise T. Chua, Angela Claudine M. de Leon, Joseph Reuben G. Manansala) were welcomed and hosted by Naga City Mayor Nelson S. Legacion, Vice Mayor Cecilia B. Veluz-De Asis, and Councilor Gilda Gayle R. Abonal-Gomez.

The event had 125 clients plus their families receiving much-needed therapy services and appreciating the initiative and positive contribution of the therapists in their lives. The activity garnered a 100% positive rating from the clients and families served. A few weeks after the event, the University and the College also received recognition from the Naga City government for their outstanding service that was received by Ms. Liza Seminiano (BS SP 2013) on the Department’s behalf on May 8.

With the event’s success, the Department is exploring the possibility of establishing a more sustainable public service partnership with Naga City. It is hoped that such an undertaking will encourage other organizations to replicate and sustain TheraFree missions in parts of the country where therapy services are scarce.

This initiative of the DSP is a testament to UPM’s and CAMP’s commitment to provide impactful and excellent education and health services to the Filipinos and strengthen UPM’s relationship with various sectors in order to fulfill its role in nation building.

I Michael C. Valdez, Rozelle Francesca K. Bentulan, Ellyn Cassey K. Chua