About Alexandra's Health Projects

Having spent the first 7½ years of my life in Hong Kong before moving to London, I have been incredibly fortunate to experience a life enriched by travel, particularly around Asia. Among all the places I’ve visited, the Philippines has always held a special place in my heart. One island, in particular, stands out: Pamalican Island, a serene paradise with a small luxury hotel and just a few homes.

Pamalican Island is part of the Cuyo Archipelago, a cluster of 45 islands in the Sulu Sea. Most of the hotel staff on Pamalican come from the neighboring island of Manamoc, a remote and underdeveloped island with a population of approximately 2,600. The residents of Manamoc depend on rice farming, seaweed cultivation, and fishing for their livelihood. Despite its stunning natural beauty, the island faces significant challenges, including poverty and limited access to basic healthcare and hygiene resources.

In 2023, I launched a charity project in the Philippines to promote health and hygiene among the primary school children of Manamoc in Palawan Province. Basic healthcare and hygiene are pressing concerns for the island, and children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of preventable diseases. These illnesses often cause pain, lead to issues with eating, nutrition, dehydration, tooth decay, and even tooth loss—all of which can negatively impact their school attendance and performance.

With the funds I raised, I was able to provide hygiene and dental kits to all 457 children on the island, aged 4 to 10, at the start of the school year. Each kit contained essentials to support basic hygiene practices. Additionally, I funded a healthcare worker and provided materials for teaching the children how to properly wash their hands, brush their teeth, and understand the importance of good hygiene.

This initiative was made possible through collaboration with a local foundation, the primary school on Manamoc, and the support of the Philippines Department of Education. Together, we purchased, shipped, and distributed the kits directly to the children. For this effort, I was honored to receive a Certificate of Recognition.

Through this project, my goal is to improve the lives of Manamoc’s children by reducing the spread of disease and promoting healthier habits. Looking to the future, I am excited to develop further initiatives to continue supporting the community and making a lasting impact.