Church Helps Improve Healthcare in Aklan with Medical Donation

To help improve grassroots healthcare and alleviate hospital congestion in this part of the Philippines, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints donated medical and diagnostic equipment to the provincial government of Aklan on August 19, 2026.

Through its humanitarian arm, the Church formally turned over six mobile X-ray units, 330 digital blood pressure apparatuses, 136 Salter weighing scales, and 135 canes (Allen sticks) worth PhP13.9 million at a special event organized by the Provincial Health Office at the Marzon Hotel in the provincial capital of Kalibo. 

These critical supplies are designated for immediate distribution across Aklan’s 327 barangays and six district health systems, to significantly improve the monitoring of non-communicable diseases.

Aklan Governor Jose Enrique Miraflores accepted the donation on behalf of the province, expressing deep appreciation for the collaborative effort.

“Government cannot do everything alone,” Governor Miraflores said. “When organizations, communities, and individuals come together with a shared commitment to serve, we are able to reach more people and make a greater impact.”

Representing the Church at the event, President Elvin Villanueva of the Kalibo Philippines Stake took the opportunity to orient the attendees on the official name of the Church and explain the spiritual foundation of its humanitarian work.

“We help people because we love Jesus Christ,” President Villanueva shared, who also gave a preview of an upcoming vision and eye care project for the community. “We want to follow His example, and we want to help everyone who is in need of help.”

The turnover ceremony was attended by a broad coalition of local leaders and healthcare professionals including municipal health officers and hospital chiefs from all over the province.

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Leslie Ann Luces Sedillo addressed the attendees, emphasizing that the equipment represents the "blood and sweat" of Church members who "give freely because they love the Aklanons."

The funds used to procure the equipment were generated entirely through the sacred law of the fast or fast offerings, wherein Church members voluntarily forgo two consecutive meals a month and donate the equivalent cost to help those in need.

Representing the Church’s humanitarian arm, Brother Anthony John M. Balledos reaffirmed the sacredness of these funds and also noted his personal ties to the province, sharing that his father was born in New Washington municipality.

“As we sacrifice, as we honor our commitment to alleviate pain and suffering, may we come together,” Brother Balledos expressed, “and in the name of God, we can do more … and make Aklan a better place for all of us.”