The Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM) and the Serve the People Health and Wellness (STP-HW) Volunteers together held a soft launch for their new clinic, which would offer alternative health care to the underprivileged masses.

At least 35 patients and guests attended the event on Tuesday where seven dedicated STP Health and Wellness Volunteers provide alternative healthcare services, including acupuncture, cupping therapy, and massage therapy.

Agapito Gaddi, overall coordinator of the STP-HW said, “We are very encouraged by the positive response from the community to our soft launch, this is just the beginning of our quest to provide alternative healthcare to the poor people who need more”.

The new clinic can be found at 56 Mother Ignacia Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City, inside the PRRM building (between Scout De Guia Street and Scout Dr. Lazcano Street). The medical service is open every Tuesday only from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Gaddi stated that the STP Health and Wellness Volunteers operates on a donation-based model, prioritizing the needs of marginalized communities. With the successful launch of their new clinic, the group is set to expand its reach and impact in the coming months, he added.

Gaddi recalled they started the alternative medical services program in 2006. They sought to help people of low-income families in the San Roque neighborhood of Quezon City who were eligible for free healthcare.

Our goal in creating alternative healthcare is also to aid veteran activists that opposed the dictatorship in the early 1970s. Gaddi goes on to say that they are now senior citizens and require medical attention.

The group also conveyed their sincere appreciation to Edicio dela Torre, the president of PRRM, and Erin Tanada, the chair of PRRM, for enabling this initiative and integrating the STP Health and Wellness Volunteers into PRRM’s health program. “Through their benevolent support and partnership, we can serve the people by practicing and promoting alternative medicine,” said Gaddi.

The STP Health and Wellness Volunteers employ a variety of alternative healthcare techniques and wellness tactics, including acupuncture, massage therapy, Bentosa (cupping therapy), Aromatherapy, Yoga and meditation, and Hilot using medicinal plants like Lagundi, Sambong, and Tsaang gubat to treat common illnesses like colds, coughs, and pain.