Project Butanding

In AY24/25, Project Butanding partnered with Volunteer for the Visayans, local Rural Healthcare Units (RHUs), University of East Ramon Magsaysay (UERM), Doña Remedios Trinidad Romualdez Educational Foundation Inc (DRTREFI) and elementary schools under the guidance of our mentor Dr Endean Tan. Our efforts were primarily centred around Tacloban City and its neighbouring barangays (villages).

Prior to the trip, we conducted waray-waray (local dialect) lessons for our members to better communicate with the locals. We also organised workshops on the biopsychosocial model and sexual health that helped to shape our health education curriculum.

In our 2025 trip, Project Butanding conducted health screenings across 6 locations over 4 days, successfully screening 901 patients. Butanding members were involved in training our volunteers on the protocol for each station including vital signs, eyesight and ECG. Our members also had the opportunity to observe doctors’ consultations, learn about conditions rarely seen in Singapore, practise their clinical and history-taking skills and interact with local pre-med and medical students. Furthermore, we brought essential health knowledge on topics like nutrition, first aid and schistosomiasis to 500 children, 30 youths and 100 adults.

Throughout the duration of the trip, our members stayed with local families to gain a truly immersive local experience. Besides trying local delicacies, conversations with the families helped us to develop a greater appreciation for the local culture and gather their perspectives on local healthcare issues. These perspectives will shape our future plans and bring us closer to the community we serve.

In the upcoming AY, we aim to expand on existing local partnerships, improve our outreach efforts, and deliver healthcare to those who need it the most. We strive to improve the long-term health outcomes of the locals by empowering them to take ownership of their health.