HAND-Philippines

🤝 HOPE AND HEALING FOR MINDANAO 🇵🇭

​The devastating Magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao this June 2026, has turned countless lives upside down. In an instant, families were left homeless, evacuating with only the clothes on their backs, and now face critical medical, food, and hygiene challenges in the aftermath.

​In times of deep crisis, solidarity moves us forward.

​HAND Philippines—led by our Board of Directors and Executive Director, and fueled by the immense generosity of our donors—has stepped up to bring urgent relief to our Mindanao beneficiaries.

​We are proud and deeply grateful to partner directly on the ground with Dr. Vernie Dagan and the South Cotabato Medical Society. Through this vital collaboration, our outreach mission is actively delivering:

✅ ​Medical Consultations & Care: Addressing immediate injuries, illnesses, and healthcare needs in displaced communities.

✅ ​Hygiene & Sanitation Support: Distributing essential kits to prevent health complications and restore dignity to families in evacuation spaces.

✅ ​Relief Distribution: Assisting those who have lost their homes as they begin the difficult journey of recovery.

​To our incredible donors: your rapid response and open hearts are making this mission possible. You are bringing hope right where it is needed most.

​We will continue to share updates from the ground as our operations progress. Please keep our medical teams, volunteers, and the resilient people of Mindanao in your thoughts and prayers. 🙏 💙

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Dedicated to the mission, whether on a mountain peak or in the operating room! 🏔️🩺

Meet Dr. Russel Alegarbes, one of our volunteer doctors here at HAND-Philippines. While he’s a board-certified pediatric surgeon and CEO of InstaMed, his heart for service truly shines through his volunteer work.

Since 2002, Dr. Russel has been using his expertise in minimally invasive surgery to help children in need. We are so grateful to have a surgeon of his caliber—who balances top-tier hospital practice with a passion for giving back to the community.

Thank you, Dr. Russel, for trekking the extra mile for our mission! 🇵🇭✨

Photo by: Dr. Russel Alegarbes