by: John Albreatch A. Pulvera
Cebu, Philippines, 09 August 2025 – On 03 August 2025, Sunday, a joint medical and dental mission was held for the community of Olango Island, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu. The mission offered vital health services, including tooth extractions, general medical check-ups, and pediatric consultations. A total of 226 residents of Olango, referred to as Olangohanons, benefited from the initiative—120 received dental services, while 106 availed of medical and pediatric consultations.
This year’s event, marking the third year of outreach in Olango Island, was made possible through the generous service and strong collaboration of 45 members of the Salesian Family—SDB, DBPPOL, Salesian Cooperators, and ADMA of the St. Augustine Parish, Olango Chapter—along with 11 medical doctors from Cebu Velez General Hospital and Perpetual Succor Hospital of Cebu, Inc.; 12 dentists from the Maria Vilma Kotagiri Dental Group, Tooth Bubble Dental Care, Dionson Dental Care, and the Naval Forces Central; and an additional 23 youth and lay volunteers from SALVO (Salesian Mission Volunteers), nursing students from the University of the Visayas and Cebu Institute of Technology–University, young professionals, and Salesian staff. The outreach was coordinated and facilitated by Fr. Godofredo T. Atienza, SDB, the FIS Salesian Family and Mission Animation Delegate.
This joint effort renews Don Bosco’s dream, following in the footsteps of the first Salesian missionaries—to make one’s life a free gift for others, especially for young people in underserved and island-based communities. Through unity and communion in action, the mission brought not only essential healthcare services but also a journey of faith, hope, and compassion to the people of Olango Island.
