TAGKAWAYAN, Quezon — The Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) held a medical and dental mission, as well as a blood donation drive, on November 30, 2024 in Tagkawayan, Quezon to help residents in their medical and health needs.

The activity, which started at 7 a.m., was held at the Tagkawayan Municipal Covered Court. Through the INC Social Services Office (SSO) and volunteer medical practitioners of the Christian Medical Dental and Paramedical Society (CMDPS), the INC conducted a medical-dental mission and in partnership with the Quezon Medical Center (QMC), a blood donation drive.

The QMC, recognizing the INC’s efforts in helping their patients as well as their province mates in Quezon, said that the INC members have been a significant partner in their blood donation drive for the last 26 years.

“Since 1998, we have had regular donors or partners in blood donation with the INC,” testified Dr. Raymundo Supeña, Department Head at QMC and Chief of Ancillary Services.

“We are very grateful [to the INC] because you have been a great help to the community, especially in Quezon. You are not only helping [INC members], but also other patients,” he said. 

Supeña also noted that many residents of Quezon province have benefited from activities organized by the INC.

Brother Rico Melgar, the INC District Minister in Quezon East, said that the medical-dental mission and the blood donation drive were of “great help to our fellow citizens, whether they are members or nonmembers of the Church.”

“We know that just for medicine alone, our sick fellow citizens already spend a large amount, and many of them are also living in poverty. So, this kind of activity that provides free medical and dental services is truly a great blessing to them, and they are deeply grateful,” he added.

Dr. Jaydee Lubong, who is a member of CMDPS, said that she and other CMDPS members volunteered to help in the INC activity as part of their “duty to provide medical assistance to those in need.”

“Even if (the location) is far, whether it’s stormy, sunny, or raining, we fulfill our duty,” said Lubong who is a medical doctor from San Marcelino, Zambales.

The Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) is a Christian religion in more than 165 countries and territories.  It is composed of members from more than 150 different ethnicities and nationalities. 

For more about the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) and its activities,  please visit www.iglesianicristo.net