DAVAO CITY – More than 700 residents benefitted from free health services in a medical mission led by the Derm Edge, organized by the Manic Nightnings Events Production, in collaboration with the First Congressional District Office on Thursday, January 30, in Barangay 76-A Bucana.

The residents, particularly children and senior citizens, were provided with many health services, including medical consultations with prescribed medications, eye exams accompanied by reading glasses, skin care, minor surgeries such as removal of cysts, warts, and moles, and haircuts.

Rodrigo “Rigo” Duterte II and his wife, Yssa Labrador-Duterte, facilitated the event and interacted with the people and barangay functionaries in Bucana. They distributed food packs and provided snacks, such as ice cream, donuts, and mineral water, to ensure people wouldn’t go hungry.

Joan Castro, owner of the Derm Edge, said the company decided to hold the first medical mission to celebrate her birthday and the Derm Edge’s 10th Anniversary. She added that they wanted to make this year’s celebration different and extend free health services to individuals of all ages.

“We want to give back to the community and share our blessings with those in need,” Castro said, adding that it was a heartfelt gesture to support the health and well-being of the local residents, creating lasting memories for the Derm Edge’s team, their partners, and the people they served.

A-B Perales, a 21-year-old single mom and resident of the barangay, said she seized the chance to have her child undergo a check-up upon learning about the mission. She added that her daughter had been sick for almost a week already but could not have her check due to financial constraints.

“I want to thank the people behind this event. Your medical mission was a great help for those in need like me who couldn’t afford at the moment to go to a hospital, spend for medical check-ups, and buy medicine for my three-year-old daughter. She will be fine,” Perales said in a local dialect.

Robert Olanolan, barangay chieftain of the 76-A Bucana, expressed his joy and gratitude to Derm Edge and Duterte’s office for conducting a free medical mission in the area with specific services. He said this, by far, was the best medical mission because it provided minor surgical procedures.

“It includes treatments for skin problems and minor operations. As the barangay chief, I am proud that this medical mission was held in our community. I can see people smiling because of the free health services they can avail themselves of, including facial and skin care,” Olanolan said.

Rigo, who thanked the Derm Edge and all the participating medical individuals, said the event was a meaningful way to support the local community and positively impact beyond the celebration. He congratulated all the people behind the successful event and wished everyone good health