Project Butanding

In AY26/27, Project Butanding partnered with Volunteer for the Visayans, local Rural Healthcare Units (RHUs), 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 workshops for our members to better communicate with the locals. We also organised workshops on sexual health and managing chronic conditions with minimal resources that helped to shape our health education curriculum.

In our 2026 trip, Project Butanding conducted health screenings across 5 locations over 4 days, successfully screening 1193 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 hygiene, first aid and flood management to 350 children and over 70 teachers, Barangay Health Workers and parents.

Throughout the duration of the trip, our members stayed with local families to gain a truly immersive and personal cultural experience.