Thousands avail of Gullas’ Halad

CEBU, Philippines - As one way of sharing his blessings with the less fortunate Cebuanos, University of the Visayas Executive Vice President and The FREEMAN Chairman Dr. Jose R. Gullas conducted a “Halad Pasalamat” in cooperation with ABS-CBN’s Halad sa Kapamilya yesterday at the Gullas Medical College.

“Lipay kaayo ko nga daghan ang nitambong ug ni-avail sa mga libreng serbisyo karon. I hope nga ang Ginoo hatagan pa ko niya og himsog nga panglawas ug taas-taas nga kinabuhi, aron magpadayon ang akong pagtabang labi na sa mga kabus,” said Gullas, who turned 79 the other day.

Gullas said that he is sure that his parents will be glad to see what he has done for the poor.

“My parents have been helping the poor and the needy. I’m sure they would be very glad of what I have done sa atong mga kaigsoonang kabus,” said Gullas.

The Halad Pasalamat of Gullas is now on its third year with thousands of Cebuanos availing of its services.

The Gullas’ Halad Pasalamat offers 24 different services.  Among its non-medical services are massage, haircut, cellphone repair, reflexology and acupuncture, the National Statistics Office, PhilHealth and veterinary services like pet grooming and injections of vitamins and deworming.

Other services were eye examination, bloodletting, legal aid and services, drug awareness seminar, basic bookkeeping, dental services, drug dispensing and patient counseling and medical services like medical consultations for children and adults, blood sugar testing, circumcision, cervical cancer screening and ECG.

“Dako kaayong gikatabang sa amoa ang gihimo ni Sir Dodong nalibre ang konsulta ug tambal para sa akong duha ka mga anak,” said Maricor Velardo, 25, and a mother of two sick children.

The FREEMAN Foundation headed by The FREEMAN general manager Melandro Mendoza also conducted a feeding program during the event wherein more than 800 people were served porridge.

Prior to the Halad Pasalamat, Gullas also sponsored 34 couples in a mass wedding the  other day at the St. Therese Church.  The reception was held at the UV gym.

“Everything is for free including the hair and make-up, the gowns, the barongs, the reception as well as the documentary requirements. I am so happy to see these couples getting married,” Gullas said.

Next year he wants to sponsor 80 couples.

Also 90 pupils and students including some faculty members of UV availed of the public Confirmation ceremony sponsored by Gullas.  —BRP (FREEMAN)