Emerson C. Soriano & Dr. Gina L. Casi
The Baguio Central University – College of Nursing and School Midwifery ended this year with an unforgettable memory – a story of reminiscing the past and leaving an impact not just today but the future generation for the children of Pongayan, Kapangan, Benguet, where the college conducted a Medical Mission, just this December 15, 2024.
Pongayan, is one of the barangays of Kapangan, Benguet, which is 32 kilometers from Baguio City with an estimated elevation above sea level of 1,055.4 meters (3,462.6 feet). The barangay is an agricultural and horticultural community, planting cash crops like bell pepper, tomatoes, potatoes and other vegetables, rice and seasonal flowers. According to the 2020 Census, the population of Barangay Pongayan was 869.
The Medical Mission for Pongayan took a long tedious planning and gathering of resources. Last November 6, 2024, the Baguio Central University- College of Nursing and School of Midwifery (CNSM) paid a visit to Kapangan for their intent to conduct the medical mission at Barangay Pongayan. Dr. Gina L. Casi, Dean of College of Nursing and School of Midwifery, Mr. Allan Guinanghan -the Community Extension Coordinator, several faculty members and student representatives paid a courtesy call to Mayor Manny Fermin’s office at the Town Hall of Kapangan. The group were warmly greeted by one of the staff, Mr. Euristy Jason Canuto who gladly entertained the team’s queries and gave the necessary process and needed documents to prepare for the Medical Mission. The whole team decided to make a visit to the mayor’s residence to inform him of the medical mission to Barangay Pongayan. The group got a positive response from Mayor Manny Fermin.
The group also visited the venue for the Medical Mission – Pongayan Barrio School where the group was again welcomed with smiles from the school teachers and pupils. Mrs. Maria Elena M. Dugos, MT2 was very happy and excited to hear about the medical mission and for being the recipient of the program. She gave the group the present demographics of the Barangay and other information to help the group prepare for the Medical Mission.
