A safari of care

Cebu Safari and Adventure Park once again became a place of caring and giving as it hosted its annual medical mission, now in its third year.

What started as a simple outreach has grown into a meaningful tradition, bringing doctors, volunteers, partners and members of the community together for a day devoted to helping others.

Leading the medical team was Dr. Vivina Chiu, national president of the Philippine Medical Women’s Association, together with a team of dedicated doctors and volunteers. Unilab generously supported the mission by providing medicines distributed to patients, while Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko and the Philippine Academy of Family Physicians Cebu chapter also joined the effort, adding their support to this worthwhile undertaking.

The project would not have continued for three years without the unconditional support of Michel Lhuillier, founder of the Cebu Safari and Adventure Park. His generosity and belief in the importance of giving back to the community have helped make the medical mission possible year after year.

Equally important was the unwavering dedication of Eduard Loop, COO of the Cebu Safari and Adventure Park, whose overall commitment and hands-on involvement helped ensure that everything came together smoothly.

Sincere thanks also go to businessman and private citizen of Carmen, Carmelo Pono; his son, Councilor Kyle Pono; barangay captain of Lanipga Remegio Benitez; safari park human resources head Manny Pacifico; and F&B manager Harvey Miranda for their invaluable assistance in organizing the mission and coordinating schedules, transportation and food.

Early in the day, patients began arriving at the park for consultations. Doctors patiently listened to their concerns, checked their conditions, and gave advice on how to better care for their health. For many, the medicines provided were just as valuable as the consultation, allowing them to return home with something they could immediately use.

For one day, the park was transformed from a place of recreation into a place of service. Doctors gave their expertise, volunteers gave their time and generous partners shared what they had.

More than the medical consultations and medicines, the mission was about people helping people. The event has become a beautiful reminder that when individuals and organizations come together with a genuine desire to help, their collective effort can make a real difference in the lives of others.