DBPH Admin2 
AS part of its 25th-anniversary celebration, Dyaryo Veritas, a weekly local newspaper based in Batangas, is giving back to the community with a heartwarming initiative.
On August 24, 2024, Saturday, at the Batangas City Sports Coliseum, the newspaper will host a free medical check-up event specifically for children with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) and Down Syndrome.
Mrs. Melinda V. Manalo, President of Dyaryo Veritas Inc., emphasized the importance of creating a lasting legacy for the newspaper. “Gusto kong magkaroon ng magandang legacy ang Veritas, hindi lamang sa reliable at credible news, kundi pati sa pagtulong sa kapwa sa abot ng aming makakaya,”, said Mrs. Manalo.
She expressed her hope that the project would succeed with the support of city and municipal mayors, who are encouraged to endorse the program to their local health offices and help identify children with CHD and Down Syndrome in their communities.
The free medical check-up is a collaborative effort with JADEN and FRIENDS, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting families with children born with Down Syndrome and Congenital Heart Disease. The organization was inspired by the journey of Jaden, a boy born with Down Syndrome and a complex congenital heart disease. Driven by a mother’s unconditional love, Jaden and Friends was founded to spread awareness and inspire others through Jaden’s “happy heart” journey. Over time, the parents of other patients joined as volunteers, contributing to the organization’s mission.
One of their key initiatives, “Saving Lives Through Happy Heart,” provides life-saving cardiac procedures to underprivileged Filipino children. This project is made possible through the collaboration between Jaden and Friends, dedicated heart doctors, and generous benefactors.
The upcoming event at Batangas City Sports Coliseum is more than just a medical mission; it’s a testament to the power of community, love, and compassion. Through this noble cause, Dyaryo Veritas aims to extend its impact beyond the pages of the newspaper and into the hearts of the children and families it serves.
