MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--Residents here flocked to the Provincial Capitol Complex to avail of the free services offered in a medical mission as part of the one-month celebration of the 64th Araw Lanao del Sur.

A four-day mission led by the Provincial Government through the Provincial Health Office (PHO) in partnership with the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO), Amai Pakpak Medical Center (APMC), Philippine Medical Association, and Association of Municipal Health Officers.

Citizens were very happy and grateful as they have availed themselves of free services including medical consultations, optical check-ups, dental services, operation circumcision, bloodletting, and free medicines, among others.

"Napakaganda nito [medical outreach program] kasi para sa mga walang kakayahang bumili ng gamot, nakakakuha ng libre. Napakalaking tulong ito kasi maraming hindi nakakabili ng gamot kasi mahal ngayon tapos 'yung medical consultations libreng nakukuha [dito]. 'Yung iba hindi makapunta ng hospital kasi mahal, e dito libre. Malaking tulong talaga ito," said Naimah P. Abas from Barangay Sagonsongan, here.

(This medical outreach program is very good because those who cannot afford medicine get it for free. This is a great help because many people cannot buy medicine as it is expensive now, and medical consultations are available for free here. The others can't go to the hospital because it's expensive; here it's free. It really helps a lot)

Janeda S. Malatus from Barangay Poblacion, also from Marawi, was also glad as she was able to avail of the optical check-up service that was included in the medical mission.

"Nag-avail ako ng optical [check-up] pagkatapos ay 'yung sa medical consultations. Nagpapasalamat po ako kay Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr. kasi ito [medical mission] ay pinakamalaki at maganda. Natulungan niya yung mga mamamayan dito sa Marawi. May galing din po mula sa ibang lungsod," she said.

(I availed of an optical check-up and then the medical consultations. I am thankful to Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr. because this medical mission is the biggest and good. He has helped the people here in Marawi. There are people from other cities as well)

Citizens who availed of free medical services extended their gratitude to the Provincial Government for conducting this activity and helping those in need of basic medical services. (JND/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)