Leading healthcare provider bent to bring meaningful fight against dengue in modest home

One perk of writing for the Property Section is having that chance to peek at the residential—and leisure—developments that promise the best life to its future homeowners. If we’re lucky, we even get to have a taste of that curated lifestyle.

It is not lost to us, however, that although there are these snazzy and elegant living spaces, there are also homes which are very simple and far from fancy. But the residents of which are ones who need care and help the most.

Health maintenance organization MediCard Philippines accorded us in Inquirer Property the privilege of visiting a home which, while modest, has a purpose that is great and meaningful beyond measure.

Missionaries of the Poor (MOP) in Santa Ana, Manila, serves as a home to children and seniors who have been abandoned and in dire need of help.

Team members from MediCard and Inquirer Property paid the international mission a visit one Tuesday afternoon much to the surprise of the kids and kids-at-heart. The orphanage’s activity area was transformed into a festive space as both teams brought in balloons, colorful paper trimmings and packages of surprise gifts for MOP’s residents.

Immediately following the Department of Health’s declaration of dengue as a national epidemic and with local governments declaring their cities to be under a state of calamity, MediCard and Inquirer Property has decided to spring to action, thinking of how to help spread awareness of the viral illness and which neighborhoods need additional aid. While villages and schools are already taking steps in protecting their residents against the mosquito-borne illness, it has to be said that there are still communities which are overlooked but need much educating and attending to.

Thus, MediCard and Inquirer Property deemed it best to extend some assistance to MOP, especially because this is one home which cannot afford a dengue outbreak.

“We have to do our part in educating the community about dengue because there are many dengue cases this year compared to last year,” said MediCard marketing services manager Kate Cruz-Joaquin.

Staying true to its commitment to extend quality healthcare to every Filipino, Medicard sees to it that it does not only take care of those who can afford their services. Especially at a time when cases of dengue are rising by the day at an alarming rate, the health maintenance organization is determined to do whatever they can, to spread awareness and ways on how to combat dengue, especially to those who may be vulnerable to the illness.

“We have to step up to do more to educate people,” she stressed.

Aside from the children and adults residing in MOP, caretakers and community workers and the kids in the neighboring houses participated in a talk facilitated by MediCard on dengue awareness and prevention. MediCard nurse Stephanie Jane Cayacap discussed tips on how to fight dengue, sharing with those present the Department of Health’s 4S strategy: Search and Destroy, Self-Protection Measures, Seek Early Consultation and Say Yes to Fogging When There is an Impending Outbreak or a Hotspot.

Hygiene kits that contain soap, shampoo, wet wipes and mosquito-repellents were distributed to everyone present to help them be properly equipped against mosquito bites.

One of the primary symptoms of dengue is high fever. MOP was provided a supply of paracetamol so that immediate treatment can be given to residents who might suffer from the onset of it.

The orphanage also received cleaning materials, disinfectants and mops as clean surroundings is one way to fight illnesses. Electric fans were also donated to the institution.

The children, elders and their caretakers were treated to some food and games to keep the afternoon’s atmosphere fun. Of course, a special appearance of the Inquirer’s Guyito delighted everyone.

“Houses such as MOP really need all the help we can get. We are grateful that you thought of visiting us and sharing these gifts with us,” expressed Missionaries of the Poor’s Brother Jeevan.

Inquirer Property writing editor Amy Remo found the visit to MOP “a truly humbling experience.” “Thank you, Missionaries of the Poor, for allowing us inside your home, for enabling us to share that experience and to find a deeper meaning behind the word ‘home,’” she concluded.

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