LOS ANGELES – Members of the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay – Medical Alumni Association of Southern California (UERM – MAASC) mostly doctors, nurses, and paramedical personnel and community volunteers from Los Angeles, California conducted and performed medical and dental mission, gift giving and feeding program for the underserved families in the Municipality of Narvacan, Province of Ilocos Sur. UERM-MAASC have been to Narvacan twice and for the third time it was different. There is a new administration, some new structures but the people were the same, still in need of medical care.
For three days, January 29-31, 2024, 34 Barangays all affected by recent devastating earthquakes and typhoons were served by the 70 members of the medical mission team. More than a thousand patients received medical and dental services, free medicines including multivitamins for all ages. Hypertension, diabetes, and cholesterol problems and arthritis are the usual medical conditions including upper respiratory problems like colds, and flu-like symptoms were common. Dental care and tooth extractions were also efficiently provided.
A gift giving and feeding program for 635 children was also conducted during the mission. School supplies, chocolates multivitamins and Jollibee meals were provided including mascot entertainment to the delight of the children.
The mission group was headed by Dr. Pauline Jose, President of UERM MAASC joined by Dr. Teri Pastor, President Elect of UERM MAAAI, Dr. Warren Gabrillo, President of Philippine Medical Association of Southern California (PMASC) and Dr. Agnes Joaquin, President Elect PMASC. Also, in the group are Dr. Toni Suansing-Olaer and Dr. Amry Jane Chavez, Heads of the Dental Group and Dr. Edgar Banez, Mission Coordinator / Past President of UERM MAASC together with UERM MAASC Past Presidents Dr. Neda Balon Reyes and Dr. Cita San Diego and President Elect Dr. Rita Guiamelon.
Honorable Luis Chavit Singson, President Emeritus, Philippine League of Municipalities and Municipal Mayor Pablito Sanidad Sr. together with Municipal Board Member Ms. Gina Cordera and Mr. Bhoying Villanueva are the collaborative mission partners in the Philippines who provided overwhelming support sponsoring the mission team transportation services, accommodations and food during the duration of the medical/dental mission. Municipal Rural Health Officer Dr. Angelo De Vera and Municipal Council Member Dr. Edna Sanidad facilitated and coordinated the medical mission locations including mission information to the communities. The group also paid a courtesy call visit to the office of Ilocos Sur Governor Gerry Singson in Vigan Capitol Building.
Above all, we again take this opportunity to give thanks to the Lord and to those who made this Medical/Dental mission possible – our generous donors, our national alumni association in America and our dedicated volunteers who continue to provide their valuable time and effort in helping our nation in need, one barangay, one community at a time, said Dr. Ed Banez.
