The Provincial Government of Tawi-Tawi, led by Governor Yshmael “Mang” I. Sali and Vice Governor Al-Syed A. Sali, held a closing program for the 5th Multi-Specialty Medical and Surgical Mission on September 10, 2026, at the MBHTE Gymnasium, Tubig Mampallam, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi.
Hon. Melhan Masdal, Member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, delivered a message on behalf of Governor Sali, expressing appreciation to the medical teams, volunteers, patients, and partner agencies whose support contributed to the success of the mission.
Among the partners recognized were the Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC), led by Dr. Afdal Kunting; Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Central Tawi-Tawi Station led by Station Commander LTJG Vasit A. Venturillo; Tawi-Tawi Provincial Police Office (TTPPO), represented by PLt. Col. Alvin Gail DPDA; Philippine Air Force (PAF) – Tactical Operations Group Sulu – Tawi-Tawi (TOGSULTAW), led by Col. Mark Allan Gavilan, PN(M); and Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD), led by Provincial Director Belinda Adil, along with other participating agencies and organizations.
Dr. Perlas K. Lorenzo, on behalf of ZCMC, shared how the medical team is composed of members from different areas who come together to provide medical services in Tawi-Tawi. She also shared that while the team encountered cases they wanted to help address, the mission was limited by the available tools and resources and the short duration of the activity. Despite these limitations and the distance, she expressed the team’s desire to continue helping Tawi-Tawians through similar missions.
TTPPO conveyed its readiness to work alongside the Provincial Government in ensuring that police support and services continue to reach and benefit communities across the province.
MSSD also expressed its support for the medical mission and committed to shoulder the laboratory expenses of patients who required the services.
PCG Central Tawi-Tawi Station likewise expressed its commitment to remain a reliable partner of the Provincial Government in providing services and assistance for the benefit of Tawi-Tawians.
PAF TOGSULTAW assured the PGO of their continued partnership in supporting and delivering services that respond to the needs of Tawi-Tawians.
Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Atty. Dayang-Dayang Khadija J. Baguinda-Dambong closed the program by expressing gratitude to all the partners who contributed to the success of the mission, particularly Executive Assistant IV Sugaida Sali-Decierdo, who personally oversaw the preparations and coordination of the activity, including the procurement of medicines and coordination with partner agencies. She was recognized as one of the pillars and driving forces behind the successful conduct of the medical mission.
The mission brought together medical professionals, government agencies, and partner organizations to provide specialized medical and surgical services to Tawi-Tawians.
