142 tour guides in Rizal receive free medical services, first aid training from GMA Kapuso Foundation

In celebration of Labor Day, GMA Kapuso Foundation headed to Rodriguez, Rizal and offered free medical services and other gifts.

According to "24 Oras," Thursday, among those who received help was Ronnie Ferrer, a tour guide, who also works on the side by carrying heavy loads along Wawa Dam.

"Kadalasan pong sumasakit sa 'min ay binti. Minsan pinupulikat sa balakang, tsaka po itong leeg. Bihira kami makapagpa check-up," he said. 

Ronnie was among the 142 tour guides who were given free medical consultation, x-ray, ECG, fasting blood sugar test, and medications. 

"Kapag inexray, makikita na kapag masakit ang likod, o leeg, na nadidiretso 'yung spine, nawawala 'yung curvature na normal kakabitbit. Isa pa, puwede rin mag-flatten-out 'yung intervertebral disc kaya sumasakit pababa ng mga binti at tsaka mga kasu-kasuan," said Dr. Gabby Gutierrez, MD, DPT.

They were also taught first aid and basic life support orientation with the help of the Philippine Red Cross. 3 spine boards were given to the association of tour guides in the area to make bringing patients down from the mountain easier in case of emergencies.

"Nagturo po kami ng mga basic first aid especially on basic life support on how to i-perform yung CPR, bandaging technique, and spine board management,"  PRC Rizal Chapter CSR SS/DMS Marvin Jay Santos said.

They were also given rice, biscuits, hygiene kits, t-shirts, and food like rice porridge and lunch meals.

Also present at the event were Tessbomb, Nadj Zablan, and Patricia Tumulak.

"Masarap 'yung feeling. Masaya na nakikita silang masaya na kahit nasa tirikan kami ng init, 'yung ngiti nila is priceless," Patricia said.

For those who want to take part in GMA Kapuso Foundation's initiatives, you may send your donations through bank deposits, Cebuana Lhuillier, GCash, Shopee, PayMaya, Zalora, MegaMart, Globe Rewards, Metrobank credit card, and Lazada.

For more information, visit the GMA Kapuso Foundation website. —Carby Rose Basina/MGP, GMA Integrated News