Written by Farah Jane J. Musni | Photographed by Ruben V. Nuarin
In line with its enduring commitment to service, compassion, and sustainable community development, the University of Baguio School of Natural Sciences (SNS) successfully conducted the Community Health Mission and Holiday Sharing: Brining Hope to Little Hearts on December 06, 2025, at the Children’s Home in Camp 7, Baguio City. The activity was carried out by 15 working committee members with the invaluable participation of one UB alumni physician, in partnership with Helping Hands Healing Hearts Ministries (HHHM) Philippines Inc.
This initiative directly advances the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 1: No Poverty, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, by delivering accessible healthcare services, essential resources, and compassionate engagement to underserved children and community members.
A partnership Anchored in Sustainable Development
The outreach activity was made possible through a formalized institutional partnership between UB SNS and HHHM, established through Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing held on October 20, 2025. The MOA signing, officially documented and published by the University of Baguio, highlighted a shared commitment to providing medical assistance, trauma-informed care, psychosocial support, and health-promoting services for children and families under HHHM’s care.
The MOA signing event, attended by UB institutional leaders and HHHM representatives, including the organization’s director, Ms. Claire Gina Henderson, and head nurse, Ms. Twinkle Vizcara, laid the foundation for long-term collaboration, volunteerism, and coordinated health interventions. This partnership strongly reflects SDG 17, emphasizing cross-section collaboration between academic institution and non-government organizations to strengthen local health systems and community resilience. Picture from University of Baguio Official Facebook Page: MOA Signing with Helping Hands Healing Hearts Ministries
Medical Outreach for Preventive and Holistic Care
The outreach activity focused on delivering essential healthcare services and wellness assessments to children and adults residing in the community. It provided a wide range of services, including vital signs monitoring, height and weight assessment, postural assessment, and physical therapy evaluation and treatment, ensuring a holistic approach to health and functional well-being.
Laboratory services included blood typing, hemoglobin and hematocrit determination, red blood cell count (RBC) count, and urinalysis. A total of 35 beneficiaries, ranging from infants as young as four months old to adults aged 59, were assessed. These laboratory and clinical evaluations served as vital tools for early detection of health concerns, health education, and referral, reinforcing the principles of disease prevention and community health promotion under SDG 3.
All procedures were conducted following ethical standards and professional laboratory practices, with results explained to beneficiaries in an accessible and compassionate manner. The presence of an alumni physician further strengthened the outreach by ensuring clinical oversight, continuity of care, and professional mentorship.
Holiday Sharing and Essential Gift-Giving
Complementing the healthcare services was a holiday gift-giving activity that addressed the immediate needs of the children and families. Beneficiaries received essential items, including milk, groceries supplies, and carefully prepared loot bags, helping support nutrition, daily living needs, and emotional well-being during the holiday season.
This component of the outreach aligns with SDG 1: No Poverty, recognizing the strong link between health outcomes and socioeconomic conditions. By integrating healthcare delivery with material support, the initiative promoted dignity, equity, and sustainable well-being, rather than short-term relief alone.
Education, Inclusion, and Gender Equity
The outreach also supported SDG 4: Quality Education by providing students and volunteers with experiential learning opportunities in community-based healthcare, reinforcing ethical practice, social accountability, and service-oriented professionalism. The diverse profile of beneficiaries, children, women, men, and older adults, further reflects SDG 5: Gender Equality, ensuring inclusive and equitable access to health services regardless of age or gender.
A Continuing Commitment to Community Wellness
Publicly announced through the University of Baguio’s official social media channels, the Community Health Mission and Holiday Sharing exemplifies UB’s sustained commitment to community engagement, public health advocacy, and evidence-based outreach, consistent with The Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings framework.
More than a seasonal initiative, this activity stands as a model of how academic institutions can translate knowledge into action, foster meaningful partnerships, and create lasting positive impact within the community. Picture from University of Baguio Official Facebook Page: Community Health Mission & Holiday Sharing
