Philippines: Adorers of the Blood of Christ Sustain Health Outreach for Aeta Community in Pampanga

Adorers of the Blood of Christ sisters and their partners provided medical checkups to 115 Aeta patients and ultrasound services to 12 others during a medical mission on October 18 in Floridablanca, a municipality in Pampanga province in the Philippines’ Central Luzon region.

The outreach brought together volunteer doctors, sisters, seminarians, lay partners and benefactors to address health needs in an Indigenous community where access to medical services remains a challenge.

The St. Vincent School of Theology’s Social Action Department provided personnel and other support for the mission.

Dr. Lourdes Sarmiento, one of the volunteer physicians, said respiratory infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, ear infections, gastrointestinal problems, parasitic infections and skin conditions were among the common illnesses she encountered in Aeta children. Malnutrition was another concern.

Among adults, she observed respiratory illnesses, arthritis, neuritis, gastrointestinal problems and hypertension.

“I believe that reaching out to communities like the Aytas of Floridablanca, Pampanga helps them alleviate and brings great relief from their situation, the physical, mental & spiritual needs knowing there are those who Care and Love them,” Sarmiento said.

For the sisters, the medical mission is part of a continuing commitment to accompany the community, rather than a one-time charitable activity.

Sr. Flor Montoja Manga said the congregation began its medical outreach in July 2022 after becoming concerned about the Aetas’ health needs and difficulties accessing medical services.

The missions were held monthly during the first two years. Since the third year, they have taken place every two months, or approximately six times annually.

“The Aeta community needs regular medical outreach because access to healthcare remains a challenge,” Sr. Manga said.

The regular visits help volunteers address health concerns, detect illnesses early, monitor patients and facilitate referrals and other needed services.

The initiative is sustained through a network of institutional partners and individual benefactors.

Sr. Linlee Vios said Bukas Loob sa Diyos in Rochester, New York, provides financial assistance for medicines and transportation. St. Vincent School of Theology supplies seminarians and support from its rector, while St. Maria De Mattias Clinic contributes medical personnel through a team of sisters, doctors and other collaborators.

Local benefactors donate items such as candies, toys, biscuits, slippers, Yakult and clothing.

The Aeta community also participates in preparing for the missions by cleaning the venue and cooking lunch for volunteers.

Beyond health care, the sisters’ outreach has expanded to include educational assistance, formation for Aeta women and support for livelihood initiatives.

Inspired by their congregation’s spirituality and the missionary spirit of St. Maria De Mattias, its founder, the sisters seek to make health care more accessible while affirming the dignity of the Indigenous community.

Sr. Manga said the sisters wanted the Aetas to know that they had not been forgotten.

“For us, mission is not simply about bringing help to others; it is about walking with them, respecting their culture, learning from their resilience, and working together to uphold their dignity,” she said.

The continuing outreach combines medical assistance with long-term accompaniment, building relationships with the community while responding to its physical, educational and livelihood needs.