SMU SHANS Launches “Byaheng Busog, Byaheng Malusog” Outreach Program

The Saint Mary’s University School of Health and Natural Sciences (SHANS) conducted “St. Martha’s Project: Byaheng Busog, Byaheng Malusog” anchored on the theme, “Nutrition for Sustainable Future,” benefiting 80 recipients from the community at Saint Pedro Calungsod Hall. The activity was spearheaded by the Center for Natural Sciences (CNS) in coordination with the different departments of SHANS.

The outreach program showcased the strong collaboration among the different SHANS departments. The Center for Natural Sciences prepared and organized the food packs, with Ms. Reychelle Lumaday and Ms. Lady Reganit as lead coordinators from CNS. The Nursing Department, facilitated by Mrs. Molly Guerrero together with the 1st year Nursing students, extended support through grocery packages and donations for the beneficiaries.

Meanwhile, the Department of Pharmacy facilitated the distribution of medicines and provided instructions on the proper intake of the medications through the assistance of selected Pharmacy students. The department also donated pails and towels for the recipients. In addition, the Medical Laboratory Sciences Department contributed further in-kind donations, including pails and towels, to support the beneficiaries. The activity featured the distribution of groceries, medicines, and food packs as part of SHANS’ continuing commitment to community service and health promotion.

Representing the beneficiaries were the SMU TODA officers: Gate 3 President Charito Padin, Gate 2 President Adlei Ampat, Main Gate President Bobby Bermudez, and Gate 1 President Fulgencio G. Luclucan Jr. The officers expressed their gratitude for the assistance extended by the university and the partner departments.

The primary objective of the program was to promote community well-being by providing access to nutritious food and increasing awareness of sustainable nutrition practices, aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2: Zero Hunger. The initiative also aimed to help ease the financial challenges and emotional distress experienced by tricycle drivers due to rising fuel prices.