PROJECT ISIP 2025: OUR FIRST MEDICAL MISSION IN BACOLOD

From 26th June to 3rd July 2025, Project ISIP embarked on our annual overseas community involvement project (OCIP) to Bacolod City, Philippines. Since 2018, ISIP has partnered with local organisations to conduct health screenings, health education, and community engagement initiatives. This year, however, marked a major milestone — our very first medical mission.

Medical Mission at Barangay Granada

In collaboration with the University of St. La Salle (USLS) School of Nursing and a team of seven volunteer doctors (including two paediatricians), we conducted a medical mission at Barangay Granada.

Students worked alongside USLS nursing volunteers to take vital signs, record capillary blood glucose, and shadow doctors during consultations. As the day progressed, we began conducting patient history-taking ourselves, with guidance from our USLS peers, before handing cases to doctors for verification.

Thanks to the support of our partners who donated and distributed medications, we were able to provide care to around 100 residents, identifying those who required treatment and ensuring timely medication access.

Community Education with Amity Volunteer Fire Brigade

At Amity Volunteer Fire Brigade, we shifted focus to first aid and youth education. Children enjoyed hands-on practice in applying wrist, head, and triangular bandages, while teenagers attended interactive lessons on cardiovascular physiology, anatomy, and shock management, including a skit we prepared on different classes of shock.

In return, Amity volunteers shared their expertise in emergency response and fire safety, giving us a unique, eye-opening exchange of knowledge and culture.

Attachments and Dialogue Sessions

We also had enriching attachments at the USLS School of Medicine and Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH). These experiences offered us an inside look at the Filipino healthcare system — its strengths, challenges, and the resilience of its practitioners.

A new addition this year was our focus on dialogue sessions. At Barangay Mandalagan, we sat down with residents to better understand their healthcare needs, ensuring our efforts remain relevant and community-driven. Similarly, at Amity, we explored further opportunities to tailor our contributions beyond first aid training.

Looking Ahead

This trip was not only a milestone for ISIP but also a learning journey for every member of the team. We forged meaningful connections with healthcare professionals and students in Bacolod, gained practical experience in patient care, and most importantly, ensured that our work continues to address the actual needs of the communities we serve.

As we look forward to ISIP 2026, we remain committed to strengthening these partnerships and expanding our impact in Bacolod.

💙 #ProjectISIP — Inspiring Students, Impacting People.

#isip #projectisip