SU IEMS holds medical and dental mission for Dumaguete fisherfolk

The Silliman University (SU) Institute of Environmental and Marine Sciences (IEMS), in collaboration with volunteer medical professionals and student groups, conducted a medical and dental mission for fisherfolk and their families from several coastal barangays of Dumaguete City on August 24, 2025, at the IEMS campus.

The outreach activity, led by Dr. Aileen P. Maypa, IEMS director, served residents of Barangays Bantayan, Piapi, Looc, and Tinago. It aimed to address basic health needs in underserved coastal communities, further strengthening Silliman University’s commitment to public service and environmental stewardship.

Over 75 individuals received free medical consultations, while at least 35 availed of dental services, including tooth extractions. Many beneficiaries received both medical and dental care, with free medicines distributed during the event.

Student volunteers from the IEMS student organization, Students Towards Environmental Welfare and Research for Development and Sustainability (STEWaRDS), headed by Theodore Bradshaw, assisted in the mission.

The Medical-Dental Mission Team poses with Dr. Iris Garcia (second row, far right) and Dr. Aileen P. Maypa (next to Dr. Garcia, second row).

The medical team was led by Dr. Iris Maravillas Garcia, cardiologist, Director III and Chairperson of the Philippine Heart Center Advocacy Council, and an alumna of Silliman University High School Batch 1988. Volunteer doctors from the Silliman University Medical Center Foundation, Inc. (SUMCFI) included Dr. Gamaliel Garcia (Infectious Diseases), Dr. Angel Jethro Arias (General Practitioner), and Dr. Danielle Stephanie Anne Rebojo (General Practitioner).

Dentists from Cebu and Dumaguete who offered their services included Dr. Alexandra Baylon, Dr. Savannah Tan, Dr. Ashly Velez, Dr. Mark Wahing, Dr. Krisha Gomez, Dr. Key Lubiano, and Dr. Shainah Malahay. Nurses, medical technologists, and pharmacists also joined the mission. In total, 32 volunteers contributed to the success of the activity.