The 2026 Medical Mission Team in Iloilo (top photo) and Aklan (bottom photo) spearheaded by UERM MAAAI President Dr. Ma. Teresa G. Pastor, PMASC President Dr. Warren C. Gabrillo III, PMASC President-elect Dr. Agnes Rubio-Joaquin, UERM MAASC Past Presidents Dr. Joselito Babaran, Dr. Rosita San Diego and Dr. Pauline Jose, as well as PMASC Auxiliary President Lally Gabrillo, Auxiliary President-elect Divinia Encina and Dr. Edgar C. Banez, Overall Mission Chairperson and UERM MAAAI, MAASC and PMASC Past President.
LOS ANGELES, March 17, 2026 –Members of the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay – Medical Alumni Association of America Inc., (UERM-MAAAI), University of the East Ramon Magsaysay – Medical Alumni Association of Southern California (UERM –MAASC) and Philippine Medical Association of Southern California (PMASC) and its Auxiliary recently joined forces for their annual medical mission bringing muchneeded healthcare and hope to underserved communities in Pototan, Iloilo and Nabas, Aklan from January 28 to February 4, 2026,
The 2026 healthcare and humanitarian initiative was led by UERM MAAAI President Dr. Ma. Teresa G. Pastor, PMASC President Dr. Warren C. Gabrillo III, PMASC President-elect Dr. Agnes Rubio-Joaquin, UERM MAASC Past Presidents Dr. Joselito Babaran, Dr. Rosita San Diego and Dr. Pauline Jose, as well as PMASC Auxiliary President Lally Gabrillo, and Auxiliary President-elect Divinia Encina. The dental mission was spearheaded by Dr. Maritone Suansing-Olaer, DDS. The minor surgery division was under the expert guidance of Dr. Renato O. Flores, President of the UERM AFUSA and Dr. Edgar C. Banez, UERM MAAAI and MAASC and PMASC Past President and served as the Medical Mission Overall Chairperson/Coordinator
The mission began in Pototan, where 60 volunteers—including physicians, nurses, dentists, and paramedical staff—treated over 2000 patients. Adults and children received primary care and dental services, free medicines and multivitamins. Treated ailments included hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol and arthritis including upper respiratory infections. A feeding program and gift giving event served 500 children, featuring Jollibee meals, mascot entertainment, and the distribution of backpacks and school supplies.
After a more than four-hour bus ride from Iloilo to Caticlan, the team proceeded to Nabas, Aklan to complete the second half of the medical mission. Following a flag ceremony and courtesy call with Nabas Mayor James Solano, the team extended their services to the Aklan province. Over 1,000 patients received free consultations, medications, and multivitamins. 50 patients underwent minor surgical procedures, including cyst and lipoma excisions and circumcisions. Another feeding program and gift -giving was held in various barangays with 300 children received backpacks, school supplies, and a Jollibee meal.
The mission schedule was demanding, some volunteers faced health challenges, including two hospitalization for pneumonia and chest pain while others experienced viral symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. “By God’s grace, everyone recovered and completed the mission safely”, noted Dr. Banez, Mission Chairperson/Coordinator. “Despite the hurdles, the mission was a resounding success—another meaningful step toward uplifting the lives of our underserved kababayans, “one barangay and one community at a time”.
The UERM-MAAAI, UERM-MAASC and PMASC & Auxiliary express their deepest gratitude to the local leaders and partners who made this medical mission possible: – Iloilo Provincial Governor Arthur Defensor, Iloilo’s 3rd District Congressman Lawrence Defensor, Pototan Mayor Adi Parcon Lazaro, Nabas Mayor James Solanoy, Dr. Conchita L. Del Mundo of the The Del Mundo Foundation and Caticlan Airport GM Engr. Octavio Lina and his wife.
“Words cannot fully express our sincere appreciation for the passion and energy of our volunteers – the true backbone of this mission,” said Dr. Banez. “Above all, we thank our Lord for His guidance, protection, and abundant blessings.”
