Bringing Care Closer to the Community: University of Luzon Students Lead Health Outreach

The University of Luzon’s commitment to community engagement and public service was once again demonstrated through a recent outreach initiative that brought essential health services to the residents of Brgy. Maasin, Mangaldan, Pangasinan. On August 30, 2025, the Community Health Advocates and Network for Growth, Education, and Resource Support (CHANGERS), a student organization dedicated to fostering a healthier society, partnered with Red Cross Youth Council – ULCONM Chapter and external collaborators to provide free medical consultations, health education, and other vital support. This collaborative effort, which also included ALAGANG UNILAB 98.3 LOVE RADIO and was supported by Dr. Feliciano V. Bautista Jr., exemplifies the university’s mission to extend its resources beyond the campus and directly impact the lives of those in need.

Luzonians from the allied health fields worked tirelessly throughout the day, applying their academic knowledge in a real-world setting. The outreach program focused on a holistic approach to wellness, addressing immediate health concerns while also empowering the community with knowledge for long-term well-being. Services offered included a range of free health check-ups and medical assistance, allowing residents to receive care they might not otherwise have access to. Beyond the clinical services, students engaged in interactive health teachings, covering topics from proper hygiene practices to nutrition and disease prevention. These educational sessions were designed to be both informative and accessible, ensuring that the community members could easily grasp and apply the knowledge to their daily lives. The partnership with local organizations and professionals, such as Dr. Bautista, underscored the importance of a multi-sectoral approach to community development and health advocacy.

The initiative was a powerful reflection of the university’s motto of service and a tangible way for students to embody the values instilled in them. For the student participants, it was a profound learning experience that went beyond the confines of a classroom or laboratory. They gained invaluable hands-on experience, developed a deeper understanding of the social determinants of health, and cultivated a sense of empathy and responsibility toward marginalized populations. As CHANGERS states, their collective mission is to “spark change—one community, one life, one future at a time.” This event successfully realized that vision, strengthening the bond between the University of Luzon and the surrounding communities while fostering a new generation of healthcare professionals committed to compassionate service.

This community health outreach directly aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By providing free health services and education, the initiative contributes to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages. The collaboration between different student organizations and external partners in addressing community needs also embodies the spirit of SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, demonstrating that impactful change is achieved through collaborative action. Furthermore, by focusing on a marginalized community and providing access to care that reduces health disparities, the program supports SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, striving to empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all.