Canadian dentists touched by Dagupenos’ generosity
IN THEIR travels around the world bringing kindness through dental service missions, Canadian dentists belonging to the Kindness in Action (KIA) group have never experienced such hospitality and support as in the Philippines, especially in Dagupan City.
“We were all taken aback by the kindness and hospitality of the people here,” said retired dentist Michael Myer, one of the KIA members who joined in the mission last week in Dagupan, the second time in seven years.
“2005 was a really good experience. We felt close to the people here,” he said referring to the first time the group went to the city to provide dental services to the students of the University of Luzon and outlying areas.
Myer narrated that he was asked to organize that first mission with just more than a week to prepare.
He was expecting the worst then, anticipating the same problems they previously encountered in other countries, but was proven wrong.
“I was pleasantly surprised to find so much help here. The work involved was reduced drastically. Everything was easier here,” said Myer who has since moved and lives in Bacolod.
Another KIA member, Rianna, who came with her mother and sister, said this is her fourth mission with the group and she never experienced such hospitality.
“The volunteers are incredible. A lot of people are wanting to help when we are here to help you,” she said.
Dr. Barry Crowley, the head of the delegation to the Philippines for 2012, echoed the sentiment saying, “You people give up a lot and do so much. You make us feel so welcome coming here.”
Dr. Carmelo John E. Vidal, director of the Center for Integrated Extension Services of the University of Luzon where the mission was conducted, said the outreach was intended to promote oral health care and reach out to marginalized sectors.
KIA, now with 250 members, is a voluntary group organized in 1994 with just seven members. Their second dental mission in Dagupan City, as well as in Sta. Barbara town, was held January 13-15 as part of their 23 missions this year in different countries. (Venus H. Sarmiento, PIA-Pangasinan with report from Raqueza Lalangan, UPB)
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