Negros Occidental, private foundation conduct medical tour for farmers

The provincial government Negros Occidental and the Syngenta Foundation, Inc through its Corporate Social Responsibility, recently conducted a medical tour in the province benefiting close to 500 beneficiaries.

Richell R. Recoter of the Foundation said close to P25,000 medicines were given free to patients in four areas in Negros Occ. in coordination with local television network ABS-CBN.

In Malingin, Bago City 108 patients were served; in Alijis, municipality of Valladolid 108 patients took part in the medical-dental services; in Batuhan municipality of San Enrique, 108; and on May 31, about 100 patients are expected to show up in Talagacay, municipality of Hinobaan.

About nine government physicians were tapped in this activity with the help of nurses, midwives, and other volunteers.

The mission started last May 23 and will end on May 31.

In Panay, an operation tuli (circumcision) and dental mission were conducted early this year in Capiz.

In an earlier interview, Recoter said they chose farmers as beneficiaries because they are poor and deserving of assistance.

They also found out that farmers seldom seek medical attention in a year for lack of finances, he added.

Syngenta, he said, is the world's leading agri-business and bio-technology multinational company based in Basel, Switzerland. - PIA — ARA