OVPREI health kit pantry drive raises P21T for health workers

MALAYBALAY CITY (OP-IPS/05 October 2021) The Office of the Vice President for Research, Extension, and Innovations (OVPREI) of Bukidnon State University raised a total of P21,000 in its health kit pantry drive for health workers in time for the 121st Civil Service Anniversary celebration.

The OVPREI sponsored the second week of the month-long celebration focused on “health” as thrust for September 13-17, 2021 with the tagline “Paglilinang sa Kalusugan ng Yamang Tao”.

The celebration used the theme Linggo ng Paglilinang ng Yamang Tao. To help protect the well-being of health workers, the OVPREI handed over 44 pre-packed health kits to those assigned in Pelots, TESDA, and Patpat Quarantine Facilities on September 16, 2021.

The health kits included alcohol, facemasks, and vitamins. The office held a series of meetings in preparation of the activity dubbed Community Health Kit Pantry for-a-day. On September 10-14, they rolled out the donation drive, bought the goods on September 15, and distributed it the following day.

It came ahead of the week’s culmination event on September 17 via Zoom. On the same event, Dr. Kristal Jade Heyasa, a government physician and part-time faculty of BukSU, gave a 30-minute talk on Paglilinang sa Kalusugan ng Yamang Tao.

She focused on valuing health and coping up with stress amidst the pandemic. As a strategy to boost the initiative, the team released a poster seeking donations from the BukSU community that was done through electronic transfer via GCash or bank.

The OVPREI said both teaching and non-teaching personnel of BukSU pitched in the fund drive. The activity was a testament that during these trying times, people continue to see stories of faith and hope, especially from people who are willing to extend a helping hand–to show appreciation and express genuine care, the office said in a statement.

“As we packed the kits with love and care, we have put in our hearts and mind to care for our careers—our health care workers. Nurturing and valuing health for our well-being is vital. As our target beneficiary, the healthcare workers have higher risk of exposure to COVID-19,” it added. (Ms. Astred Jill E. Agravante, OVPREI)