Tzu Chi volunteers and local people held a dental clinic in the central Philippines on June 7, 2023. In the small community of Kabasacan, Sagabayan, Bohol, a team of compassionate individuals gathered for a noble cause. The day before the mission, they set up a makeshift clinic in the heart of Kabasacan, in the Sagbayan Covered Court. The team's primary goal was to provide dental care to all individuals seeking assistance. Volunteers from both the Tzu Chi Foundation and the local community worked diligently to ensure a smooth flow of patients; they assisted with registration and provided comfort to those awaiting treatment.
On June 7, the atmosphere was filled with anticipation, as the community prepared for a dental mission that would bring much-needed oral healthcare right to their doorsteps. Leading the mission were Dr. Raymund Lim, a dedicated dentist, and a TIMA doctor. He was supported by esteemed colleagues Dr. May Lim and dental aide Clemelita R. Alaba; they played pivotal roles in organizing and ensuring the success of the event. This dedicated team was joined by a group of dental professionals from different organizations, including the Provincial Health Office (PHO) and the Department of Education (DepEd). All shared a common goal of improving oral health of the residents.
Under the leadership of Dr. Ranillo B. Gallego, the PHO team had two skilled dentists and three dedicated dental aides, all eagerly prepared to contribute their expertise to the mission. Similarly, the DepEd team, led by Dr. Vina V. Akip, brought together three experienced dentists and four enthusiastic dental aides, all driven by their deep passion to make a meaningful impact on the lives of the community.
The dental mission became a reality thanks to the remarkable efforts of the Tzu Chi Foundation Bohol, led by Bro. Joven T. Uy and supported by Sis. Emily Lacsado, the devoted dental in-charge. Working hand in hand with them were 11 passionate volunteers, including 8 local volunteers from Sagbayan, Bohol, and 3 Tzu Chi Scholars of Bohol. United by a common purpose, this dedicated team collaborated harmoniously to bring about positive change.
The warm-hearted people of Barangay Kabasacan in Sagbayan wholeheartedly embraced the team. They expressed profound gratitude for the invaluable support provided by the Tzu Chi Foundation to their community. The Dental Mission was of great significance for the residents of Kabasacan; they fully understand the importance of maintaining good oral health but face challenges in accessing dental services.
Parent Shella Robin is thankful to the Dentist and Tzu Chi Foundation for giving her son the oral health care he needs: “I’m Shella Robin, I am the parent of Aidrey Nathaniel G. Robin, who is 7 years old and currently a grade 1 pupil, I’m grateful for the mission that happened today because my son has a dental problem. My friend told me that there is a dental mission being conducted near our place. So, we came here to ask and grabbed this opportunity. We are very thankful to Tzu Chi Foundation because they organized a Dental Mission.”
In total, 108 people, children, and adults, were in dire need of dental care. The dedicated dental professionals skillfully divided their efforts between dental cleaning and extraction, ensuring comprehensive oral healthcare for all. A total of 55 people underwent thorough dental cleanings, effectively eliminating plaque and restoring the radiance of their smiles. The compassionate team also performed 53 extractions, providing much-needed relief from painful dental conditions and proactively averting potential complications. Their tireless efforts brought immense relief and improved the oral health of those in need.
A grade 2 pupil was grateful for the oral care he received: “I am Bejay P. Antecristo, a grade 2 pupil of Kabasacan Elementary School. Thank you, Tzu Chi, for cleaning my teeth.”
Throughout the day, the community members joyfully expressed their profound gratitude, their smiles radiating with new hope. Children giggled with delight, proudly showcasing their freshly cleaned teeth; adults experienced immense relief from the long-standing discomfort that had plagued them. The dental mission not only provided essential oral healthcare but also instilled a renewed sense of confidence and overall well-being among the people of Kabasacan. Their spirits are uplifted, and they can embark on a brighter path toward improved oral health and a more vibrant life.
As the sun gracefully began its descent, signaling the end of the mission, a touching closing ceremony took place. The dentists and dental aids were honored with Certificates of Appreciation, acknowledging their invaluable contributions. Mr. Christopher M. Andales, the Barangay Captain, took the opportunity to convey his heartfelt gratitude to the entire team for their selfless dedication and service. He expressed deep admiration for the transformative impact they had made on the lives of the community. He assured them that their compassionate efforts would forever be etched in the hearts and minds of the community. The closing ceremony served as a poignant reminder of the lasting imprint left by their benevolent actions.
Barangay Captain Mr. Christopher M. Andales gratefully said:
“I am Christopher Andales, the Barangay Captain of Kabasacan. Today, we are sincerely grateful to the visitors, especially to the Tzu Chi Foundation, for providing a dental Mission to our children, who are given priority by Tzu Chi. In our barangay, Dentists rarely come due to a shortage of dental professionals. On behalf of the people of Kabasacan, we are truly grateful, with all our hearts, to the Tzu Chi Foundation, and to Sir Joven for bringing the Dental Mission to our barangay. It greatly helps our children, especially those facing financial difficulties.”
With tears of joy and deep gratitude, the people of Kabasacan bid farewell to the dental team. The volunteers and dental professionals left with a profound sense of fulfillment, knowing they had made a tangible difference in the lives of those they served. It was a testament to the power of unity, compassion, and the unwavering dedication of individuals who come together to bring smiles, hope, and a brighter future to communities in need.
The Head Dentist of DepEd, Dr. Vina V. Akip, expressed her gratitude to everyone who participated in the Mission:
“I am Dr. Vina Akip, the DepEd dentist in charge of the Division of Bohol. DepEd and Tzu Chi Foundation are partners in signing the MOA, and Tzu Chi has been a great help, especially to the children who benefited from this mission. Through this dental mission, we can also assist children who cannot visit dentists regularly. I am grateful for this dental mission that reached the children, and I hope that this mission will continue. I am thankful to Tzu Chi for helping many children, and we are also grateful for the opportunity to serve them.”
A Jing Si Aphorism says: “ Joyous giving is to contribute our efforts happily.”
Join Tzu Chi. Let us give ourselves to the needy together.
Story by Raycele B. Delusa
Documented By: Michelle Caga and Chereline Dahan (Tzu Chi Scholar)
