BTC Chairman Gladys Vergara Champions Community Health Initiatives and Universal Health Care Advocacy
On February 18, 2025, the Baguio Tourism Council (BTC), led by Chairman Gladys Vergara, successfully conducted the BTC Goodhearted Volunteers (GV) Medical Mission at the Loakan-Apugan Barangay Covered Court. Hosted by Barangay Captain Salvador Lumitap, the mission provided free medical services to over 100 residents from Loakan-Apugan and neighboring communities, underscoring BTC dedication to accessible healthcare and community welfare.
The medical mission, spearheaded by Dr. Dwight Black, Dr. Paul Quitiquit (SLU), and Dr, Celia Briliantes (Baguio City Health Officer), offered a wide range of essential medical services, including:
- Eye Check-ups & Free Eyeglasses
- Diabetes Screening
- General Medical Check-ups/Consultations
- Breast Examinations
- Free Medicines
BTC Chairman Gladys Vergara played a pivotal role in organizing the medical mission, donating medicines and eyeglasses, and providing essential support. She expressed deep gratitude for the collective efforts that made the mission a success, emphasizing the importance of community-driven healthcare initiatives.
Several organizations and individuals also contributed to the mission’s success, including the Baguio Everlasting Lions Club, Pines Association of Nursing Attendants and Caregivers, Inc., Diabetes Philippines Baguio-Benguet Chapter, Atok Trail District Health Center, SLU Sacred Heart Medical Center, Sweettech Industries, Inc., Unilab, Inc., Swiss Baker, Fernando S. Tiong, and BTC Board Members Glenn Gaerlan, Elaine Sembrano, and Aurora Alambra. Local champion Eric Kelly also lent his support to the initiative.
In line with her advocacy for health and welfare, Vergara, in a recent Senior Citizen General Assembly in Barangay Upper Quezon Hill, Baguio City, shared her vision for a comprehensive Universal Health services should be accessible to all Filipinos, particularly senior citizens, women, and children.
“No one should avoid health check-ups due to financial constraints,” Vergara stressed, highlighting the importance of regular health monitoring for a healthier society.
Vergara further advocated for expanding Social Pension benefits to include all senior citizens, asserting that “every elderly Filipino who has contributed so much to society throughout their lives deserves financial support to sustain their daily needs in retirement.” She committed to championing policies that uphold the well-being and dignity of senior citizens and pledged her ongoing support for programs that prioritize public health. ###
