Written by Marilyn Tomilas
“Healthcare is most meaningful when it reaches those who need it the most.”
On July 18, 2026, the University of Baguio–School of Natural Sciences (UB-SNS), together with the School of Nursing (SON) and the School of Dentistry (SOD), conducted a medical outreach program at Helping Hands Healing Hearts Ministries Philippines Inc. (HHM).
Helping Hands Healing Hearts Ministries Philippines Inc. is a non-governmental organization (NGO) dedicated to supporting children in crisis situations by providing a safe refuge, trauma-informed care, psychosocial support, medical assistance, and advocacy for their rights.
Interprofessional Healthcare Services and Community Impact
Faculty members and students from SNS, SON, and SOD collaborated to provide essential healthcare services to HHM’s beneficiaries:
- School of Natural Sciences (SNS): Offered diagnostic laboratory services.
- School of Nursing (SON): Conducted vital signs assessment and basic health monitoring.
- School of Dentistry (SOD): Provided dental consultations and oral health services.
In addition to healthcare services, the three schools distributed small gifts, including toiletries, medicines, and snacks, to bring comfort and joy to the children. The outreach gave students a valuable opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in a community setting, embodying the University’s mission of educating individuals to become empowered professionals in a global community.
Supporting Global Goals and Core Values
The outreach directly aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- SDG 3 (Target 3.8): Improving access to essential quality healthcare services.
- SDG 4 (Target 4.7): Promoting experiential learning and global citizenship among students.
- SDG 10 (Target 10.2): Empowering and promoting the social inclusion of vulnerable children.
- SDG 17 (Target 17.17): Encouraging effective partnerships and collaboration among allied medical schools to address community health needs.
The initiative highlighted the University of Baguio’s commitment to advocating sustainable programs for the community and the environment, while embodying the University’s core values of Integrity and Competence in Service. Most importantly, the experience inspired future healthcare professionals to uphold these core values by serving with excellence, empathy, and a commitment to making a lasting difference in the lives of others.
