Dodong Gullas celebrates birthday with free services

CEBU, Philippines - Thousands of Cebuanos from different towns and cities of Cebu flocked yesterday to Vicente Gullas Medical Center in Banilad, Mandaue City to avail of free medical and non-medical services in the Halad Pasalamat Year 5 organized by the Jose R. Gullas Halad Foundation.

“This is a drop of tear in the ocean of poverty. Daghan kaayo og pobre and this is my way of sharing my blessings to the poor,” said Jose “Dodong” Gullas, the founder of the JRG Halad Foundation.

Gullas, who turns 81 years old today, looked obviously younger than his age as he got busy shaking hands and greeting patients along with her wife, Nena.

“Malipay ko nga daghan ang nalipay sa akong gibuhat. I am praying that God will continue to bless me with good health so that I can continue this kind of activity,” said Gullas.

Gullas said that instead of holding a lavish party for his birthday, he opted to conduct this kind of activity.

Part of his birthday celebration was the confirmation and mass wedding he organized for at least 41 couples for free.

 “Maybe I can afford to hold a birthday party, but mas malipay ko nga daghan ko og natabangan,” he added.

Other services included medical consultation, dermatologic consultation, eye examination, random blood sugar and cholesterol level testing, deworming for children, cervical cancer screening,  circumcision and minor surgeries, ECG, bloodletting, tetanus toxoid immunization, tooth extraction, dental cleaning/education/filling and veterinary services that included cat and dog circumcision, free vaccination and deworming.

Non-medical services included training/workshop for hand and foot spa and body massage,  TESDA services like motorcycle and cellphone repair,  legal consultation, basic self-defense (karate), UV PESO Job Search Desk, computer and laptop repair and demonstration on detergent and dishwashing liquid making.

Various government agencies like the Social Security Services, Home Mutual Development Fund, Land Transportation Office, National Statistics Office, PhilHealth and National Bureau of Investigation participated in the activity.

“Mas daghan ta og services this year as compared to the past years,” said Gullas. “Chiropractic is expensive and we do it for free today,” he added.

Another new service was the conduct of emergency preparedness and awareness for calamities seminar.

“I am glad that this seminar is included this year. There is really a need for people to be prepared in the advent of calamities and disasters,” added Gullas, a Papal awardee and Perlas awardee. 

The Freeman Foundation also held a feeding program spearheaded by The Freeman general manager Melandro Mendoza.

Mendoza prepared and cooked the delectable rice porridge intended for at least 3,000 children and adults who were at the hospital’s vicinity. —NSA (FREEMAN)