Free Medical & Dental Mission in Pilawan
Loejan on Apr 8th 2008
BALIKBAYANS FROM LONDON SPONSORED A FREE MEDICAL AND DENTAL MISSION WITH MALE CIRCUMCISION AND EYE SCREENING AT SITIO PILAWAN, BARANGAY SAGUNTO
‘Kasdiay gayam ti ikasta da nga …..’
Figure 1 - Site of the mission
April 3, 2008 – Philanthropist balikbayans from London, Mr. and Mrs. Ed Dela Cruz and Mrs. Mina Dumal-is, through the persistent request of Barangay Sagunto SK Chairwoman, Hon. Ellaine Grace B. Gaudiano, sponsored a free medical and dental mission with circumcision in one of the remotest and highest area of the municipality of Sison.
Figure 2 – Dentist in action
Figure 3 - Dispensary
Sison’s Rural Health Unit, under the stewardship of Dr. Fe De Guzman through the motivation of Mayor Kimi S. Cojuangco, and also through the initiative of the office of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) under the headship of Engr. Efren A. Bello, also participated in the event.
Figure 4 – The SK Chairwoman & Kgd Arlene intently observing a medical procedure
The site of the mission is at Pilawan Elementary School, almost three kilometers away from the National Highway and is traversed mostly by foot because few vehicles can navigate through the rugged terrain and even those can only cross during fair weather.
Figure 5 - Candidates for manhood
Natives here comprise about ninety percent Ibalois and Kankanaeys - tribes that originated from the Mountain and Benguet Provinces, who were enticed by the vastness and richness of the land. They are vegetable growers, particularly Baguio beans and sweet peas, a legacy that is being passed on to them by their forefathers. Most of them are now “tisoys” (local term for people with mixed lines of descent) because of their intermarriages with the Ilocanos.
Figure 6 - Mrs. Carvilyn Dela Cruz with Brgy Officials and relatives. Mr. Ed Dela Cruz at the back – far right
Most residents of this place sometimes go to the tribal healers for treatment because of the odyssey of travel and financial hardship. One male resident, in his early fifties, was taken aback when he saw how male circumcision was performed. “Aya! Kasdiay gayam ti ikasta da nga ….” he accidentally blurted in their native tongue.
Mr. Ed Dela Cruz, during one meeting, wanted so much to thank all the other sponsors behind the scenes, particularly those friends in London, who helped make these series of free medical and dental missions a success. He also went on to congratulate the Honorable Mayor, Kimi S. Cojuangco, for her very determined approach in making this town a place worthy to live in.
Figure 7 – Mrs. Mina Dumal-is with young Barangay Officials
Additional details regarding the Medical Mission in other barangays in Sison can be found on the Sison website.
Filed in Charity, Events, Health, Tribal | 4 responses so far
Judee Apr 9th 2008 at 03:13 am 1
I highly commend Mrs. Mina Dumal-is & Family together with Mr. Ed De La Cruz & family for their successful charity work (Medical Missions) in Sison. I’m proud to say that they are both members of SFAL (Sagunto Friendship Association London). I also would like to mention and give thanks to Attorney Richard Pooten & family from London who donated a balikbayan box to transport medical equipment & supplies for this purpose. Well done to all including the Doctors, Nurses & our able Politicians who sacrifice their time to help the less fortunate citizens of Sison. Mabuhay Sison!!!
Babot Apr 9th 2008 at 04:05 pm 2
I agree with you. Mng. Judee, the SFAL members who headed this medical mission are to be commended for all the hard work and dedication to help those in need. More power to the De La Cruz Family, Mina O. Dumal-is and everyone who participated in this worthwhile cause. Congratulations to the successful mission!
May God bless…
Thanks, Loejan for the photos!
emz Apr 9th 2008 at 07:51 pm 3
You made it folks! That was quite difficult to organize, yet Mrs. Mina Dumal-is, the Dela Cruz family and SFAL were able to accomplish together with the community and municipal leaders a great project. Your examples are exemplary! May your tribe dedicated to service grow and prosper so you could reach out more to many people in need. Our Gratitude and Congratulations!
mina Apr 13th 2008 at 09:43 pm 4
thanks to God for the success of this medical mission and to all people(i cannot mention all those names but im sure they know who they are) for helping us financially & physically, God will bless u more and so with us…