Mu Sigma Phi Sorority, Inc.

by Reinzi Luz Bautista '13

Amidst a forecast of rain and overcast skies, the true Los Baños spirit of dedication to service shone through in the Laguna Leg of the Mu Health Caravan. Braving the imminent downpour, close to 80 of the municipality’s barangay health workers and high school teachers flocked to the Trace College for a series of health and wellness interactive discussions spearheaded by the Mu Sigma Phi Sorority last July 31, 2010.

An early participant is surprised, and perhaps slightly embarrassed by the routine pre-workshop health assessment.

The main program started off with Gladdy Facun, µ∑Φ ’11, who literally brought the participants to their feet with a series of strengthening exercises after a lecture on some of the common joint and muscle concerns. Next was a series of lectures on some of the most pressing medical concerns of women – cervical cancer, breast cancer, and menopause – delivered by Dr. Marilyn Ruaro, µ∑Φ ’76. A sumptuous lunch was served, and after, participants were able to test their newfound knowledge with an interactive game.

Participants are energized amidst the lazy morning weather by a series of joint exercises.

Dr. Marilyn Ruaro, µ∑Φ ’76, delivers her highly important lecture with her trademark wit and articulacy.

Dr. Faye Cagayan, µ∑Φ ’93, kicked off the afternoon session with a discussion on stress management, topped off with her customary belly dancing session that brought out the inner dancer in more than just a few women in the auditorium. Dr. Judith Eusebio, µ∑Φ ’84 capped off the day’s lectures with a discussion on skin aging, and a surprise guarantee of free dermatological consults to the delight of all the participants.

Dra. Faye Cagayan, µ∑Φ ’93, brings energy to the next level with her tutorial to the music of Beyoncé and Shakira.

Dr. Judith Eusebio, µ∑Φ ’84, gives a highly-anticipated lecture on skin aging.

The session officially ended with the customary awarding of certificates and picture-taking. Participants expressed their gratitude to the Mu Sigma Phi Sorority, for delivering to them a day of learning that exceeded their expectations and likewise, armed them with priceless knowledge. Recognizing their vital role in the municipality, they are set to pass on this knowledge towards promoting women’s health and wellness in their community.

The Mu Health Caravan, now having completed its fifth leg, remains dedicated to the promotion of community health that starts with the woman. Preparations for the next couple of legs in Cavite and Quezon are currently underway. The Mu Health Caravan is also set to expand and launch the Children’s Health Initiative for Literacy and Development: CHILD Campaign in the year 2011. The Mu Health Caravan recognizes the important role of the community in the promotion of child wellness, and through this move aims to equip local communities with knowledge as it has done with its Women Empowerment and Literacy through Health Education: WEALTH Campaign. Now two years running and with many more years anticipated, the Mu Health Caravan continues to advocate health, wellness, and ultimately, knowledge-driven empowerment.

We would like to acknowledge Dr. Aurora Genuino, , µ∑Φ ’57, Dr. Lilibeth Genuino, µ∑Φ ’87, and Dr. Jocelyn Tababa, µ∑Φ ’82, whose presence and help have been invaluable in the success of this leg of the Mu Health Caravan. We would also like to thank Ma’am Nene Barbosa, Ma’am Mai Tado, Dr. Alvin Isidoro, and the Local Government Unit of Los Baños for the continuous support and assistance that was extended to us