The Pinit tribal community of Brgy. Ocampo in Camarines Sur received today their own potable water system from MDFI through its Operation Pa-Tubig program, in partnership with Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP). Around 120 households of Agtas, a group of indigenous people, will benefit from the water system. These households used to rely on unprotected water wells for their daily water needs, with women and children relied upon to fetch the water. With 15 tap stands installed strategically within their barangay, the households can now conveniently access clean water anytime and the women and children can concentrate on household and school activities. PBSP, the Pinit tribal council and Ocampo LGU assisted in the turnover of the water system.

MDFI turned over today to Lumad residents of Brgy. Dologon in Maramag, Bukidnon their own potable water system. MDFI and Philippine Business for Social Progress led the turnover ceremony, assisted by the local government unit and tribal leaders of Man-ahoy. Prior to the turnover, the tribe performed a ritual called “Panandig Hu Kaulo Wahig,” which translates to “permission to use the water source,” at the same time asking for forgiveness because of the harm they may have inflicted Mother Nature in constructing the water system. A tree planting activity preceded the turnover as part of the tribal rituals of thanksgiving and show of efforts and commitment to nurture the natural resources. The Lumad youth participated by performing a dance during the turnover. The Level 2 water system will benefit over 50 households, expected to be joined by more nomad families who have expressed the intent to permanently stay in the community, now that there is a stable supply of clean water.

Barangay Buhisan, Cebu City receives today a water system that will provide at least 160 households with safe potable water. Installed with the help of Philippine Business for Social Progress and the local government unit, the MDFI-funded water system will enable the benefited households to uplift their lives, prevent water-borne diseases and promote proper hygiene. The beneficiaries said that they will also be able to save money for other household concerns as they will not pay for water by container anymore. Kabyawan Farmers Association will take the lead in managing the water system.

Cebu City experienced MDFI’s Walk for Non-Communicable Diseases (WNCD) Awareness program with more than 1,400 participating in the early morning activities on November 18, Sunday. A zestful warm-up round of stretching exercises and Zumba sequence by Gold’s Gym fitness instructors got the participants all geared up for the 3-km walk. With family members tagging along, the walkers quickly made their way back to the activity area where healthy treats and fun activities awaited, courtesy of MDFI partners Alaska Milk, A. Menarini, ATC Healthcare, Bayer Consumer Health, Bellkenz, Bevi Beauty, Calmoseptine, Froneri, Galderma, GX International, Hisamitsu, IPI, Jelma, Johnson & Johnson, Leo Pharma, Merck Consumer Health Care, MundiPharma, Mylan, Nestle, Otsuka, Pharmarex, Philusa, Procter & Gamble, Prosel, San Miguel Purefoods, Sanofi Aventis, Splash, Unilab, Unilever, URC, Vida NutriScience and Wert.

WNCD is a signature activity of MDFI’s Bantay Kalusugan program, which seeks to help prevent and stop non-communicable diseases.

MDFI’s Walk for Non-Communicable Diseases (WNCD) Awareness held in Baguio City engaged more than 2,000 registered enthusiasts. Hundreds of family members tagged along, making the walk a happy and cool experience for everyone. After warm-up exercises, the fun walkers took the Burnham Park to Baguio General Hospital route and back to the park, where activity and product booths awaited the finishers.

A signature activity of MDFI’s Bantay Kalusugan program, WNCD promotes walking as a simple but effective way to prevent and stop NCD. Alaska Milk, ATC Healthcare, Bayer Consumer Health, Bellkenz, Bevi Beauty, Calmoseptine, Froneri, Galderma, GX International, Health Wellness Lifestyle, Hisamitsu, Inova, IPI, Jelma, Johnson & Johnson, Leo Pharma, Merck Consumer Health Care, MundiPharma, Mylan, Nestle, Otsuka, Pascual Consumer Healthcare, Pharmarex, Philusa, Procter & Gamble, Prosel, Remed, San Miguel Purefoods, Sanofi Aventis, Splash, Symply G, Unilab, Unilever, URC and Vida NutriScience joined hands with MDFI to make the fun walk successful.

San Juan City, San Pedro City and Sta. Maria, Bulacan were the recent beneficiaries of MDFI’s Operation Bigay Lunas. From 7:00 am to 3:00 pm, constituents of the three sites were provided with free medical consultations and medicines. Random blood sugar screening and sampling of healthcare products were also made available. Joining hands with MDFI to make the outreach successful were the respective LGUs, volunteer healthcare professionals, Century Tuna, Johnson & Johnson, Hisamitsu, Mead Johnson, Nestle, Pascual, Procter & Gamble, Rhea Generics and Unilever.