
PHOTO BY: Dominic Mercado
CALAMBA Medical Center (CMC) in Laguna held its first-ever event for children with health conditions ( Congenital Heart Disease , Autism Spectrum Disorder, Epilepsy, Hydrocephalus , Leukemia, Colostomy and Global Developmental Delay) on Saturday, December 28, 2024 welcoming more than 50 young participants from different areas in the province.
The event, titled “Little Brave Warriors” , was organized to celebrate and support these children and their families. It featured games, cash prizes, grocery giveaways for medya noche, and donations from CMC employees.

A Special Welcome
In her speech, Ms. Lirio Lomarda, Marketing and Business Development Head of CMC, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the children and their families.
“Mula po sa pamunuan ng Calamba Medical Center, isa pong karangalan ang buksan ang aming pintuan sa mga espesyal na bata, lalo na sa mga nangangailangan ng espesyal na atensyon at pag-aaruga,” she said.
She also praised the mothers, calling them heroes for their unwavering dedication to their children. “Let’s give an applause to all mothers who bravely attend to the needs of their children despite the challenges,” Lomarda added.
Commitment to Continued Support
Lomarda announced CMC’s commitment to support similar events in the future and revealed also from establish dedicated clinic — we already have ‘yung CORE center for Occupational Rehabilitation and Early intervention , we are working to create ZBen package for Philhealth to cover the Rehabilitation and therapy of children with special needs .
“Sobrang napaka-iksi ng preparasyon, pero everything fell into place. Nagsimula lang kami ni Ms. Cyrill Quilo, and now, CMC management has fully supported this event,” Lomarda shared.

The Insider News Philippines expresses gratitude and hopes for continued support
On her part, Quilo extended heartfelt thanks to the Calamba Medical Center (CMC) and its staff, as well as to individuals who generously contributed to the success of the “Little Brave Warriors” event.
“Una po sa lahat, on behalf of The Insider News Philippines, lubos pong nagpapasalamat sa pamunuan at mga empleyado ng Calamba Medical Center, at sa ilang indibidwal na walang alinlangang tumulong at nag-donate para sa ating mga ‘Brave Warriors’ ng Laguna,” Quilo said.
She highlighted the significance of hosting the event on December 28, coinciding with the Feast of the Holy Innocents (Niños Inocentes). “Hindi naging alintana ang panahon upang makadaupang-palad ang mga batang nakikipaglaban sa kani-kanilang sakit, lalo na ngayong araw ng selebrasyon ng Niños Inocentes,” Quilo shared.

Despite limited preparation time, Quilo expressed pride in The Insider news Philippines role as a bridge that brought together individuals to make the event possible. “Bagaman ilang araw lamang ang naging preparasyon ng kauna-unahang charity event ng The Insider News Philippines , kami lamang po ang naging daan o tulay katuwang ang mga indibidwal upang maisakatuparan ito,” she said.
She also expressed hopes for more opportunities to help children in the future. “At atin pong idinadalangin na magtuloy-tuloy pa ito sa mga susunod na panahon upang maraming bata pa ang matulungan sa munti nating kakayahan,” Quilo concluded.
The announcement was met with emotional reactions from parents, many of whom expressed gratitude and were moved to tears by CMC’s generosity.
Collaborative Efforts
The event was organized in partnership with Cyrill Quilo, publisher of The Insider News Philippines , and supported by CMC’s President and CEO Atty. Pillar Nenuca P. Almira. Additional backing came from CMC staff, some individuals Mr. Harjeet Sodhi, julyenn Raine Quiambao, Jexzear Atienza , Toys o Laruan (Mascot) , Dr. Gerry Sales, and Dr. Paul Allan A. Espina of 1COOPHealth, as well as the Office of Albay 2nd District Representative Joey Salceda, chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means.

A Celebration of Kindness
“This day is special because it’s not just about Christmas, but about celebrating these children and their families,” Lomarda emphasized.
The Little Brave Warriors event showcased the power of community and compassion, leaving a lasting impact on the children and their families as they headed home with gifts and memories to cherish.
