by Sis. Rose Minas

     The rainy weather did not stop the SoupER Friends from extending medical, dental and optical services to the poor last August 2 at Radio Veritas 846 Tower, West Avenue, Quezon City.

     A total of 487 beneficiaries composed of children and adults (300 medical, 86 dental and 101 optical) trooped to the area and lined up for the free services offered by SoupER Friends.

     The SoupER Friends, a project of Friends of the Divine Mercy, Radio Veritas and Caritas Manila, reaches out to our less fortunate brothers and sisters through its soup kitchen program, and gift-giving, and now with its medical and dental health as well as eye care.

     Aside from free consultation, the patients were given free medicines as prescribed.  Most of the mothers came in with two or more children with various illnesses such as common colds, cough, diarrhea, under weight and lack of appetite.  The adults lined up to be checked  for high blood pressure, allergies, stomach and back pains, among others.

     Dental patients were relieved to have their teeth extracted without pain.  Not only the adults lined up for the free dental extraction but the children as well.

     Aside from free eye check-up, reading eye glasses were offered for P50 pesos only.  Others were given 20-30 percent discounts on frames.

     Eleven medical doctors volunteered, four of whom came from PNP Crime Laboratory – SOCO namely Dr. Emmanel Aranas, Dr. Edgardo Canlas, Dr. Socorro Canlas and Dr. Ruby Grace Sabino-Diangson.
 
     Other doctor volunteers included Dr. Rose Arcilla, Dr. Marissa Resulta, Dr. Reyce Cristina V. Laborte, Dr. Mercedes Gutierrez, Dr. Vincent Bryan Siy, Dr. John Delos Santos and Dr. Aida R. Tan.
 
     The dentists pool came from UE Manila – Achievers Council of Excellence headed by Dr. Heidi Palmera with Dr. Lou Brenth L. Dayrit.  Dr. Catherine Lee, Jenelene Dino and Sis. Donna Del Rosario, also volunteered their services.
 
     The optical doctors who rendered free services included Dr. Imee Gloton, Dr. Yolly Herrera, Dr. Olive Sta. Maria and Dr. Imelda Juachon.

 
     The nurses who did pre-checkup and got the vital signs of patients include Mercedita L. Balbero, Mirasol A. Garcia, Ma. Cecilia S. Manuntag, Rebecca Tan, Cita Alcantara and Sis. Lucille Gohol.
 
     Donations poured in from United Laboratories, Inc., Nattural Quality Corp - Maker of Ampalaya Plus, Johnsons and Johnsons,  EG Healthcare, Inc.,  Serve and Care Gas Station - Cecilia Abelita and Marian Yan, Queen J Catering and Food Services - Theresa Aguinaldo,  Sallimel’s Canteen and Catering - Sally Nubla, Belle Fabian, Purificacion Munar, Mario Roberto Mendoza,Claro Usana, Charing Garbida, Renato Pintado, Sr., FDMC brothers and sisters, and friends.
 
     The venue, which teemed with children, came alive with the appearance of the official mascots of Radio Veritas, ‘Katoto’ and ‘Hanan,’ who danced and posed for pictures to the delight of the crowd.