Thousands of branded medicines, free healthcare assistance reach 20 TABUK BARANGAYS through Atty. Gel Bongngat-led medical mission

TABUK CITY, KALINGA - Thousands of branded medicines, maintenance medications, vitamins, and nutritional supplements were made available free of charge to residents of 20 rural barangays in Tabuk City through a two-day medical mission and feeding program held on November 7 and 8, with activities conducted at Barangays Lucog and Gobgob.

Covering nearly half of Tabuk City’s 43 barangays, the initiative brought substantial healthcare assistance closer to rural communities, most of which have predominantly Indigenous Peoples (IP) populations. Its highlight was the extensive supply of branded medicines and health supplements for infants, children, and adults, addressing needs that often place a considerable financial burden on ordinary families.

Unlike medical outreaches that primarily focus on consultations and prescriptions, the initiative made thousands of medicines available for free distribution, including maintenance medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and essential medicines for common ailments such as fever, cough, and skin conditions. Residents were also offered free ear-piercing services with complimentary hypoallergenic earrings.

The initiative was led by Atty. Gelacio “Kuya Gel” Bongngat, Regional Director of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), a proud son of Kalinga who was born and raised in the province, together with Dr. Rafael “Bungo” Agcaoili, Founding Chairman of Guardians International Brotherhood Foundation Inc. and President of Guardians International.

For Bongngat, bringing healthcare closer to rural and underserved communities is a meaningful way of ensuring that geographical distance and financial limitations do not prevent families from receiving essential assistance. He believes that addressing the needs of a community requires more than good intentions; it takes the ability to bring together people, institutions, and resources willing to make a difference.

“A city’s progress should never be measured by how far its development reaches its boundaries, but by how far its care reaches its people. Every Tabukeño, regardless of where they live or how much they earn, deserves access to healthcare. A healthy Tabukeño is the foundation of a healthy, productive, and progressive Tabuk,” Bongngat said.

The medical mission was made possible through the participation of volunteer doctors, nurses, and personnel from the City Health Services Office, Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Red Cross, Barangay Health Workers, Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS), Philippine Marines, Kalinga Police Provincial Office, City Police, and several Eagles Clubs, whose collective efforts helped deliver medical assistance to the beneficiaries.

Complementing the healthcare initiative was a feeding program exclusively spearheaded by the staff, officers, and crew of Rang-Ay Eco Adventure Resort, who took charge of providing food and nourishment to the beneficiaries.

The undertaking was supported by Guardians International Brotherhood Foundation Inc., Aeso Inc., Raedang International Builders and Developer Cooperative, Aeso International Trading Corp., Hinobaan Mujin Construction Inc., Universal Alliance of Eagles Inc., TFOE-PE Central Luzon Region XLV, 1Kalinga Eagles Club, and Rang-Ay Eco Adventure Resort.

The two-day program culminated on November 8 at Gobgob Elementary School, bringing together medical professionals, government personnel, uniformed services, civic organizations, and private-sector partners in a shared effort to serve rural communities across Tabuk.

For Bongngat and the organizations behind the initiative, the mission represents what can be achieved when partnerships are transformed into concrete action. Beyond the medicines distributed and meals served, it sends a message that communities outside the city center deserve the same attention, opportunities, and access to essential services.

Because a city is only as healthy as the people in its farthest communities. And true progress begins when no Tabukeño is left beyond the reach of care.