August 11, 2026
Tzu Chi’s 292nd Medical Mission serves 5,417 patients in Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte
By Thania Florendo
Tzu Chi Foundation’s 292nd Medical Mission served 5,417 patients from across Zamboanga del Norte from August 6 to 8. Free medical consultations and screenings were held at the Zamboanga del Norte Convention and Exhibition Center, while surgical consultations and procedures were conducted at the Zamboanga del Norte Medical Center, both in Dipolog City.
The three-day medical mission brought together Tzu Chi volunteers and staff from Manila and Zamboanga, Tzu Chi Youth from Taiwan and Malaysia, students from the Tzu Chi University in Taiwan, and doctors from Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA), who worked alongside the local government unit (LGU) of Zamboanga del Norte to provide free healthcare services to its constituents.
“We really love this place. We have been here four times already. We know that more people need our help, and our medical team is complete, from nurses to surgeons to dentists. We are thankful once more to help the people of this province,” TIMA co-founding member Dr. Josefino Qua said.
He left a reassuring message that everyone seeking medical help would be treated with care. True to his words, TIMA volunteer doctors attended to thousands of patients.
Eye screening recorded the highest number of patients at 1,481, followed by general medicine with 1,407, dental medicine with 1,102, pediatrics with 611, ENT with 361, and OB-Gyne with 286. The surgery operations included 54 thyroid, 22 hernia, and 56 minor surgical procedures, while 37 patients received services through the Jaipur foot camp.
The medical mission was the result of months of preparation and close coordination between Tzu Chi and the LGU. Facilities were repaired, and information was disseminated through social media, radio, and nearby rural health units to reach more people.
Ku Gamalinda Fernandez, the event coordinator from the Provincial Governor's Office, shared that with Tzu Chi leading the detailed planning, it made it easier for them to prepare.
“A medical mission like this is a blessing. To have a lot of doctors helping our people since we have three districts, this is a big lift on the medical part for us. It’s a gift for the whole province of Zamboanga del Norte,” Fernandez said.
For many patients, the medical mission fulfilled a long-awaited need, giving them access to free medical attention and treatment after months or even years of waiting.
Fifty-eight-year-old Marilou Jarlego availed of an eye screening and received free reading glasses. She also accompanied her mother for a general medicine consultation.
“My eyes are always watery and itchy, so I had a check-up, and I’m surprised to get a pair of glasses. I’m very happy and emotional because if it weren’t for Tzu Chi, I wouldn’t be able to afford any of this,” she said.
Dental beneficiary Roland Matias endured five years of pain, thinking it was just a toothache. Embarrassed by the small bump on his gums, he kept it to himself, only to later discover that it was a growing periapical cyst, a common cyst that develops from a bacterial infection.
“I only expected a tooth extraction, but the cyst was removed. I’m happy, it boosted my confidence, and I can smile now. This is a big help for me. Thank you, Tzu Chi,” he said.
Merlyn Abad, 55 years old, had endured her goiter for 29 years. Her life was rough as she raised her 10 children while her husband had a stroke.
“Considering the expensive costs of undergoing surgery, I chose to live through it,” she said.
When she heard about the upcoming medical mission, she submitted all the requirements to avail of the free surgery. She was able to undergo the surgery safely, and she expressed her gratitude to the foundation.
Zamboanga del Norte Governor Darel Dexter Uy shared how the medical mission complements the province’s aspiration of building better healthcare and communities, and improving the quality of life of the ZaNortehanons.
“To the Tzu Chi Family, we always welcome more medical missions in our province. Tzu Chi is one of the biggest foundations that conducts one of the biggest medical missions in our province. We celebrate not only a mission of healing but a mission of humanity,” Gov. Uy said.
Tzu Chi Zamboanga OIC and Deputy CEO Dr. Anton Mari Lim shared their humble beginnings of starting the medical mission and how it became a massive event that unites everyone.
“It’s always nice to look back because it makes you appreciate what we have now and it makes you hopeful of the future as well,” he said.
He shared that one of the nicest things in these kinds of experiences is that we can give hope to the people and even inspire the government officials.
“That’s what Tzu Chi brings. An inspiration that things can be better and we also give them the confidence that they can make a difference as well,” he said.
To close the event, Dr. Lim shared a quote from Dharma Master Cheng Yen that when everyone comes together and unites, nothing is impossible. And this medical mission is an epitome of being united by action and the willingness to help the people in need.
TIMA volunteer doctors arrive at Dipolog Airport early on August 6.
TIMA volunteer doctors arrive at Dipolog Airport early on August 6.
Tzu Chi Zamboanga OIC and Deputy CEO Dr. Anton Mari Lim reflects on how Tzu Chi’s medical missions have evolved from humble beginnings to serving thousands of patients today.
Zamboanga del Norte Governor Darel Dexter Uy shares his gratitude and joy in hosting Tzu Chi’s 292nd Medical Mission.
TIMA co-founding member Dr. Josefino Qua ensures that the entire medical team will do its best to serve every patient.
Zamboanga del Norte Governor Darel Dexter Uy sits beside TIMA co-founding member Dr. Josefino Qua during the opening program of Tzu Chi’s 292nd Medical Mission.
Every volunteer is united by patriotism and a heart for service.
Every volunteer is united by patriotism and a heart for service.
A vibrant dance performance brings energy to the opening program.
Patients start to gather inside the Zamboanga del Norte Convention and Exhibition Center on Day 1 of the medical mission.
A long queue of patients forms outside the venue as registration begins.
A long queue of patients forms outside the venue as registration begins.
A separate line is provided for senior citizens to make registration more convenient.
Tzu Chi volunteers efficiently manage the registration table.
Tzu Chi volunteers efficiently manage the registration table.
Provincial Governor’s Office Event Coordinator Ku Gamalinda Fernandez shares how relieved she was to see Tzu Chi volunteers take the lead confidently, allowing her team to follow and support their efforts.
LGU volunteers assist in the triage area, checking patients’ weight, height, and blood pressure.
LGU volunteers assist in the triage area, checking patients’ weight, height, and blood pressure.
Governor Darel Dexter Uy and his family, Dapitan Mayor Hon. Evelyn Uy and Dipolog Mayor Hon. Roberto Uy, share a group photo with Tzu Chi volunteers as the 292nd Medical Mission officially opens.
Patient Lonie Returco (in black) assists her senior citizen mother (in red) in inquiring about the available ENT services.
General medicine doctors gather for a group photo with Tzu Chi volunteers from Taiwan and students from Tzu Chi University.
Doctors carefully check patients’ concerns during general consultations, referring special cases for further assessment and appropriate next steps.
Doctors carefully check patients’ concerns during general consultations, referring special cases for further assessment and appropriate next steps.
Doctors carefully check patients’ concerns during general consultations, referring special cases for further assessment and appropriate next steps.
Doctors carefully check patients’ concerns during general consultations, referring special cases for further assessment and appropriate next steps.
Doctors carefully check patients’ concerns during general consultations, referring special cases for further assessment and appropriate next steps.
Doctors carefully check patients’ concerns during general consultations, referring special cases for further assessment and appropriate next steps.
Pediatric doctors join Tzu Chi Youth, volunteers, and students from Tzu Chi University in Taiwan for a group photo, united in their spirit of service.
The pediatric team provides consultations and care to young patients.
The pediatric team provides consultations and care to young patients.
Doctors and volunteers from the ophthalmology team come together for a group photo.
The ophthalmology team conducts eye screenings and check-ups, providing free reading glasses to patients in need.
The ophthalmology team conducts eye screenings and check-ups, providing free reading glasses to patients in need.
Beneficiary Marilou Jarlego receives free reading glasses.
The dental team takes a group photo after completing a busy day of treating patients.
Many patients seize the opportunity to receive free tooth extractions during the medical mission.
Many patients seize the opportunity to receive free tooth extractions during the medical mission.
Some patients present complex dental cases.
Some patients present complex dental cases.
Beneficiary Roland Matias sought a tooth extraction but instead underwent a successful procedure to remove a growing periapical cyst in his gums.
Beneficiary Roland Matias sought a tooth extraction but instead underwent a successful procedure to remove a growing periapical cyst in his gums.
The dental team accommodated 1,102 patients.
The lone doctor in the OB-GYN, Dr. Susana Lao, served 286 patients.
The lone doctor in the OB-GYN, Dr. Susana Lao, served 286 patients.
Patients with prescriptions receive free medicines after their medical consultations.
Patients with prescriptions receive free medicines after their medical consultations.
Children also receive free vitamins and medicines.
Pharmacy volunteers ensure that patients receive the correct medicines according to their prescriptions.
Pharmacy volunteers ensure that patients receive the correct medicines according to their prescriptions.
Free hygiene kits are provided to dental patients after their tooth extractions.
Rotary PDG Danny Low and Dr. Angeline Low from Australia, donors of the hearing aids, join the ENT team during the medical mission.
Patients receive free ear check-ups and consultations from the ENT team.
Patients receive free ear check-ups and consultations from the ENT team.
Patients receive free ear check-ups and consultations from the ENT team.
A beneficiary undergoes a hearing test before he receives a hearing aid.
A beneficiary and his partner share a meaningful moment as they receive a free hearing aid during the medical mission.
Patients with hearing difficulties receive free hearing aids.
Tzu Chi University students from Taiwan poses for a group photo in their full surgical gear.
Patients scheduled for surgery patiently wait in line before undergoing their procedures.
The operating room remains busy and packed as the surgical team performs procedures for patients in need.
Surgical beneficiary Merlyn Abad was glad she was eligible for free surgery.
Before Merlyn Abad’s operation, she shared how nervous she was, but she trusts that she will be in good hands.
The kitchen team works tirelessly preparing delicious meals that keep everyone fueled and ready to serve.
The kitchen team works tirelessly preparing delicious meals that keep everyone fueled and ready to serve.
The kitchen team works tirelessly preparing delicious meals that keep everyone fueled and ready to serve.
Tzu Chi volunteers tirelessly assist patients throughout the medical mission.
Tzu Chi volunteers from Manila and Zamboanga, youth from Taiwan and Malaysia, Tzu Chi University students from Taiwan, TIMA doctors, and other volunteers come together for a group photo, closing Tzu Chi’s 292nd Medical Mission.