Toronto Cagayanons complete medical mission
Toronto Cagayanons complete medical mission
Dr. Andy Umoquit attending to patients in the town of Solana
The Cagayan North Association has just completed its first medical mission in the Province of Cagayan with great success. The mission started in January 23- 30, 2012 serving the biggest and most populous towns of Cagayan. As expected a big crowd wanting free medical care eagerly awaited at the site early in the morning even before the start of the mission and the line of people never seemed to end. Many had waited hours after travelling long distances on foot or by other means of transportation and some came from neighbouring towns. Tents were installed and streets were closed. Young and old, mothers with children, patiently waited for their turn either to find relief for an illness or for the much needed surgery and then lined up at the pharmacy for their free medicines.
The project started as a dream early in 2011 by the Cagayan North Association Officers and Executives as a way of giving back to the people of Cagayan. Supported by various fund-raising activities, this dream became a reality in the fall of 2011 when enough funds were generated to purchase medicines worth several thousands of dollars. The group personally accompanied the six balikbayan boxes full of branded prescription and OTC medicine and medical supplies for distribution to the poor.
The group coordinated the medical mission with Archbishop Serge Utleg, Archdiocese of Tuguegarao and some local government officials in the towns of Solana, Aparri and Gonzaga to ensure maximum efficiency. Likewise, Archbishop Utleg graciously hosted the group at the Archbishop’s palace. In appreciation for his kind gesture, the group provided monetary contribution to support his humanitarian projects.
President Glenn Uy headed the medical team with Dr. Andy Umoquit (originally from Buguey-Adviser), Dr. Joan Utleg Del Rosario (from Solana- Adviser) Dr. Danny Del Rosario (Adviser) and Mena Uy (Pharmacist). Other officers who joined and gave their time in this endeavour to help the less fortunate were: Cynthia Umoquit (PRO), Hayda (PRO) and Art Villacete (from Piat-Adviser), Victor & Precy Dizon (from Buguey-Advisers) and Evelyn Cusi (from Gonzaga-PRO).
(PRESS RELEASE)
The medical mission team in front of Aparri Hospital, mission site. From left: Dr. Joan Del Rosario, Cynthia Umoquit, Mena Uy, Precy Dizon, Evelyn Cusi, Dr. Andy Umoquit, Dr. Romero (medical director-Aparri Hospital), Glenn Uy.
The medical mission team in the town of Gonzaga. From left: Art and Hayda Villacete, Councilor VIcky Collado, Precy Dizon, Evelyn Cusi, Cynthia Umoquit, Mena & Glenn Uy; kneeling: Dr. Danny Del Rosario and Dr. Andy Umoquit.
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