SULADS and AMR volunteers have been providing medical and health services to the people of Sulu since 2021. They visit homes to spread messages of health and hope, offer free health services, including minor treatments, advice for managing illnesses, and medication.
Sulu, one of the poorest provinces in the Philippines, struggles with problems like a lack of health centers and health education, which leads to poor diets, unhealthy habits, bad waste management, and limited access to basic healthcare, especially because it’s far from major areas. Years of conflict have exacerbated these problems, making it even harder for the community to stay healthy. The severe healthcare challenges in Sulu motivated these individuals to take action and help alleviate the situation.
“Before, when we got sick, whether young or old, we just endured the pain because no one could help us, and the hospital was far away,” said one community leader.
Everything changed, of course, when the volunteers arrived and revitalized local healthcare. They started organizing health events in different neighborhoods, teaching about the NEWSTART program—Nutrition, Exercise, Water, Sunlight, Temperance, Air, Rest, and Trust in Allah (SWT), checked metrics like BMI and conducted health surveys in order to understand better the community’s health.
Through these free health initiatives, the overall well-being of the community has improved. The volunteers never turn anyone away and always conclude their visits with a prayer, emphasizing that true healing comes from Allah (SWT), the ultimate healer.
At the Peace Formation and Learning Center in Upper Sinumaan, volunteers provide basic education for young children, primary and high school students, as well as programs for out-of-school youth and adults. Many students arrive malnourished, often with little or unhealthy food, which affects their health and academic performance. To address this, the volunteers run weekly feeding programs, distribute vitamins, and provide health education, often using their own resources. They also started an organic garden to ensure a steady supply of healthy food for the students.
Despite the many people in need and the difficult conditions, the volunteers continue their work. They believe that even small efforts can lead to big changes with God’s support. This commitment has led to the creation of the Adventist Wellness Center, now an important building project of the Adventist Mission Department of the Zamboanga Peninsula Mission.
Charles Wayne Berago, a medical volunteer overseeing the project, said, “I want this project to attract medical professionals and volunteers to serve the community, provide check-ups, and hold health training and cooking workshops, so every home can be a center of wellness.”
Today, the SULADS and the AMR volunteers continue serving in various parts of Sulu and hope to make a lasting difference in the lives of these communities.
