Playing with Fire
Service at its best
By Gonzalo Duque
HAVING observed the Philippine Medical Association of Georgia’s medical mission in Cebu and recently, at the Regional Medical Center headed by Dr. Jess Canto, hospital director, I know that I have seen something that has struck me forever.
The nobility and spirituality of service.
I saw the group’s other-centeredness, as members of the mission that included my sister Dr. Grace D. Dizon went about their chores in a very pleasant, enjoyable and missionary manner.
Are missionaries the enjoyable type of people? I say yes. I have seen them. I have talked to this group even while they were undertaking their medical safari in Cebu last year.
Was I glad that the medical mission was finally realized? But of course, because as sister Grace told Aksyon Radyo’s Ging Cardinoza, helping our fellowmen is but one of the sources of our strength, it also enriches one’s spirituality.
Looking back, it took the group two years to launch the medical mission in Pangasinan. I am glad I was a part of it, doing errands, coordinating this and that.
You see, when you deal with professional physicians, you get a nice feeling of knowing that they, too, still have that caring attitude for the poor, yes, the poor in our country.
I’m sure that after Dagupan, the group will “invade” other cities and towns in other parts of the country. I am not really suggesting that the group do it, but it just came to my mind that it might just do it because it is a good and noble thing.
After you have read this, the group may still be available for you, especially the poor and indigents. You should not miss their health-care because it is top of the line and very modern.
Ah, yes, we have a mediaman friend with an affected vision, and I must ask him to see the group. He may not be indigent, but the nature of his job makes him one because mediamen are always at the mercy of a thankless public as they go about their task of reporting and informing people.
Punta ka, pare Ruben, so that your eyesight will be restored to normal.
In the course of the group’s exchange of notes with Director Canto and this columnist, something good happened. The group will bring along four pacemakers worth P4 million.
The fact of the matter is the group has donated medical equipment and facilities worth $500,000 which has been raised from various groups such as the Rotary and others in the US.
This is the kind of people who unhesitatingly share a part of themselves for the good and welfare of their fellowmen, so very much unlike those who do a good act because they expect something in returns.
Pina-publish pa, poor taste, dba?
Kung gagawa na lang ng mabuti, bakit ibando mo pa?
I’m sorry to Ate Grace and her barkada that I’m writing about their activity. But this column article was not solicited. It just happened that this columnist has been moved deeply by the group. I simply can’t help writing about the project.
Having a hand in its success, I wish to speak for the group to thank a few locals who have extended their help and assistance like Speaker Joe de Venecia, Mayor Benjie Lim, my brothers Dr. Ado, Cesar and Health Sec. Dr. Pingkoy, Dr. Viven Villaflor and staff, Atty. Dingso of the Bureau of Customs for helping facilitate the entry of medical equipment used in the medical mission, Dr. Jane Balolong Espino and her son, Dr. Tom John Espino of the ophthalmology department, the LNU, UPANG, the city of Dagupan, the Pangasinan Medical Society, city health office, and the parishes that helped send patients to the mission, Dr. Acela Tuazon and the media.
I am happy for all of you, and thank you for your Good Samaritan spirit.
(For past columns, click http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/category/opinion/playing-with-fire/)
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