The Surgical, Medical and Dental Mission held on January 9-12, 2018 at Amigonian Fathers Seminary in the City of Gen. Trias became a success with the collaborative efforts of hundreds of medical volunteers comprised of surgeons, doctors, nurses, dentists, barangay health workers, religious practitioners and government employees touching the lives of almost three thousand (3,000) Caviteños during the four-day outreach event.
Stronger ties among various public, private, religious and non-civic organizations gave a much meaningful definition to the word mission. Accounting for thousands of patients served during the health mission were 1,465 individuals who had their medical consultation; 203 who underwent surgical operation (53 major, 150 minor); 273 who had dental extraction having a total of 655 teeth extracted; and 650 who had their eye checked and at the same time took home free reading glasses. Surgical patients were screened first and went through different medical and laboratory examination such as X-ray, ultrasound, ECG, biopsy, blood testing and other necessary tests.
In recognition of the valuable efforts of sponsors and volunteers to the outreach project, which include University of Sto. Tomas–Medical Mission Inc. (UST-MMI), Philippine Nurses Association of North Carolina (PNA-NC), Amigonian Seminary, Diocese of Imus-Kalinga Health Care, MCKS Caring Heart Foundation, Inc., Tugaden Medical Mission Fund (TMMF), Special Commission on Relief and Education of the Philippine-American Association of Toledo, Ohio (SCORE), Elena and Remedios Monzon Foundation, St. Mary Magdalene Parish-Amadeo, Vision Check Optical Clinic, Barangay Health Workers (BHW), Cavite Cooperatives, Amadeo and Gen. Trias local government units, a simple closing ceremony with a send-off thank you dinner to the doctors, dentists, nurses and other volunteers was hosted by the Provincial Government of Cavite.
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Gilbert Ilog and Provincial Administrator for Community Affairs Engr. Redel John Dionisio expressed their sincerest gratitude to the sponsors and organizers of the mission on behalf of Governor Boying Remulla. Engr. Dionisio who was reminded of the quote “The best things in life are free,” told volunteers that such caring mission will be treasured by the people of Cavite.
On a positive reception, Dr. Wil Olalia who headed the UST-MMI surgical team delivered their message of appreciation to everyone who supported them, stressing out that they are only instruments of the Ultimate Healer. Dr. Olalia also explained why they chose to do the surgical mission in the seminary, saying that they do not want to displace people in the provincial hospital. He added hat they have a total of 16 operating tables for minor and major surgeries, also sharing that they have been doing the mission since 1962, assuring people on the safety of their procedures.
“Let’s continue the mission,” said Dr. Olalia, as he concluded his message with a powerful encouragement for all volunteers to never stop giving hope and healing. In the same manner, Ms. Merly Pascual of PNA-NC who strongly believed in miracles, expressed how fulfilled everyone is in making a difference to the lives of the people in the community; while Sister Marilena Narvaez of Sisters of Social Service thanked everyone for the cooperation and worthy endeavor which have great impact to the lives of the needy.
PRINTING AND BINDING OF LEGISLATIVE DOCUMENTS FOR USE OF THE OFFICE OF THE SANGGUNIANG PANLALAWIGAN