The SLS Healing Hands Medical Mission Team carried out a mission and volunteer schedule in the Philippines from February 15 to 17. The mission site, Pandi City in Bulacan, is a globally recognized slum area registered with the UN. To facilitate smooth operations, Saint Luke Society (SLS) collaborated with JWMC, which is run by Pastor Lee Sung-kwang, a missionary dispatched by the United Denomination. The Healing Hands team consisted of a total of 38 participants, along with approximately 20 members from JWMC in the Philippines.
The mission schedule began on the 15th with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Saint Luke Society and the local barangay representative of Mapulang Lupa, agreeing on mutual cooperation in medical missions. This medical mission included internal medicine, dentistry, traditional Korean medicine, and a pharmacy, providing medical benefits to over 400 Filipino residents over the course of February 15 and 16. Saint Luke Society has conducted medical missions in the Philippines six times in total, with this being the third mission specifically in Pandi City.
Dr. Shin Myung-seop, the representative of Saint Luke Society Korea, stated, “We have been continuously conducting medical missions in the Philippines, and we have noticed an improvement in the health conditions of local residents and an increased awareness of health issues. Previously, many residents would ask to have their teeth extracted even for minor decay, but now more people are showing a willingness to receive cavity treatment instead. We have also observed a growing interest in preventive treatments such as scaling. Additionally, awareness of managing chronic diseases like hypertension has significantly improved.”
On the 17th, the mission team visited a local elementary school, where they conducted educational volunteer work, head lice removal, and meal provision. The education included dental hygiene, hand-washing hygiene, an introduction to Korean traditional culture, and art activities. Students in this impoverished area attend school, but due to financial constraints, they lack access to simple art activities such as drawing or origami. Therefore, the educational and artistic activities provided by the mission team were of great help to the children. As part of efforts to promote children’s health, Saint Luke Society conducted fluoride mouth-rinse activities to prevent cavities and carried out head lice removal treatments, washing the children’s hair after applying medication. Most students in this area suffer from head lice, and the prevalence of cavities is extremely high. Additionally, Saint Luke Society provided free meals to the students, as many children in the region often survive on just one meal a day.
Saint Luke Society also carried out home visitations in the slum areas, installing flooring mats in houses with cement floors. Many of the residents in this area were forcibly relocated by the government and now live in cramped homes of approximately 8 square meters, accommodating anywhere from 4 to 12 people. Because they sleep directly on cement floors, many suffer from skin diseases caused by exposure to cement toxins. Installing floor mats provides a long-term solution by blocking these harmful effects. However, since the cost of floor mats is nearly half of the average monthly income of local residents, many families are unable to afford them. The Healing Hands team purchased and installed these mats in several homes.
Pastor Lee Sung-kwang of JWMC stated, “We have collaborated with several mission teams, and I find the Healing Hands team to be systematic and proactive. We hope to continue cooperating for missions in the Philippines.” Dr. Shin Myung-seop, the representative of Saint Luke Society Korea, added, “Our activities are short-term, but through cooperation with local churches, we are witnessing the community develop and more people come to faith in Jesus. We are grateful to be able to share God’s love through the abilities He has given us. Many of the Korean participants in the Healing Hands mission also realize gratitude for the small things they had overlooked in daily life and find great fulfillment in this mission.”
