The mobile health services initiative of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) served over 600 coconut farmers and their dependents in the Municipality of San Remigio, Antique, on Thursday, exceeding the 500 target beneficiaries for the two-day activity.

PCA Regional Social Worker head Ellen Arandela-Espada said they have four doctors, five dentists and two optometrists to cater to target beneficiaries at the San Remigio Evacuation Center in Barangay San Rafael until Friday.

“The mobile health services form part of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan for coconut farmers and their dependents,” she said in an interview.

The activity also gathered the participation of the 15 offices from the provincial government of Antique, such as the Integrated Provincial Health Office and the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), and national government agencies.

The Philippine Army provided a free haircut, while the Philippine Statistics Authority brought its mobile birth registration. The PSWDO conducted case management for those who wanted to avail the aid to individuals in crisis.

San Remigio Mayor Margarito Mission said 70 percent of the 45 barangays of the municipality are considered geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, making it difficult for residents to avail of medical services at the rural health unit in the town proper.

“The mobile health services are a big help to my constituents, especially since 70 percent of our barangays are considered geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas,” he said in an interview.

Raffy Sagado, 26 years old, of Barangay Bagumbayan, said that he came for a medical checkup and availed of free medicines for his respiratory disease. “I am thankful that I availed my needed medical checkup,” he said. (PNA)