Emerson C. Soriano & Dr. Gina L. Casi
While the registration and consultations were on going, the next parts of the program were filled with fun games and presentations. The children had fun with the dancing contests where prizes of the best dancer per grade level were awarded. The school children showcased their talents from dancing, singing and poetry that brought smiles to the spectators. The school teachers of Pongayan Barrio School led by Mrs. Maria Elena M. Dugos also presented a dance number. The top performing pupils from nursery to grade 6 were received gifts from Ms. Joanna Marie M. Abratique.
The College of Nursing and School of Midwifery faculty led a community dancing which the Barangay Pongayan officials, Barangay Health Workers and the School teachers joined and ending the dance with a unity song. The CNSM students also performed a community dance.
The Medical team consisting of Dr. Jeremie Marie A. Del Rosario and Dr. Lea O. Del Rosario, aiding them is Ms. Shaira T. Casi an intern conducted consultations and check-up the whole day with no breaks and even sacrificing their lunch break. Clients form all age groups, gender and pregnant women of the community were all serve with free medicines, supplements and vitamins.
While the program of entertainment and gift giving, partner agencies where also busy offering their free services to the community: The Technical Support Company, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 15 of the Philippine National Police headed by PSSG Larry C. Tagtag gave the young school boys and adults a free haircut while also making the medical mission safe.
Commission on Higher Education- Cordillera Administrative Region representative Dr. Bernadette C. Pal-ec informed the community the college scholarship their agency is offering to deserving indigent students. Dr. Geraldine Orasing of the Philippine Science High School-Cordillera Administrative Region Campus conducted mental health consultations to some adults and school teachers. The Nursing Students also gave dental health education on proper dental health and brushing.
And the most awaited part of the school children and teachers the giving of gifts and feeding program. The school children excitedly lined up with their stubs happily receiving school supplies, hygiene kits, shoes and slippers and a bag of treats. The family of Ms. Joanna Marie M. Abratique/ Del Rosario and the donors almost shed their tears seeing the excitement, the joyful smiles and laughter from the school children. Finally, the biggest gift the Community has received, a large smart television, that would greatly help the teachers and the pupils of Pongayan Barrio School in their education. The heartwarming awarding of the educational tool brought tears of joy among the school teachers specially the teacher in charge Mrs. Maria Elena M. Dugos thanking the Baguio Central University – College of Nursing and School of Midwifery faculty and students, and their deepest gratitude to Ms. Joanna Marie M. Abratique and family and to the donors who have greatly contributed to the Medical Mission. She further announced that all the school pupils will all enroll to BCU- College of Nursing and School of Midwifery to become all nurses and midwives which made the whole participants and medical mission cheered with joy.
Certtificates of Appreciation where awarded by the dean of the College of Nursing and School of Midwifery, Dr Gina L. Casi, Community Extension Coordinator, Mr. Allan Guinanghan, College of Nursing Coordinator, Mrs. Imelda B. Manuel and School of Midwifery Coordinator,Ms. Ailen Rafael to the donors who were present , to the partner agencies who have extended their services and to the volunteer physicians. Tokens of appreciation where also awarded to the school teachers of Pongayan Barrio School
Closing the Medical Mission- Dean of CONSM, Dr. Gina L. Casi, thanking the whole community of Barangay Pongayan, the barangay officials, BHW, the school teachers and lastly the whole medical mission team: the faculty and students who voluntered, the volunteer physicians, partner agencies and the donors.
The story of the season of giving and the mission of healing doen’t end with the Pongayan Community. The wisdom and experiences and the memories that the Medical Mission has imparted not only to the community but to all the future medical professionals is that serving the people with the heart and with a soul. Just like the words of the great teacher Mahatma Gandhi – “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” There will be more medical missions, as long as there are still communities that need health care and with the dedication of Baguio Central University – College of Nursing and School of Midwifery.
Baguio Central University – College of Nursing and School of Midwifery would like to thank the following
- Sir Euristy Jason Canuto, Mayor Manny Fermin and staff from the office of the municipal mayor of Kapangan;
- The Barangay Officials: Cecille Bawas, Nelly Asmin, Batler Bayeng, Antonio Ciano, Saperto Alumno, Agosto Bugnay, Edison Busaing;
- The Barangay Pongayan Health Workers;
- School Teachers of Pongayan Barrio School: Edwin L. Baterzal, Maria Elena Dugos, Beverly B. Paran, Rowena S. Cañada, Joyce S Salbino, Olivia D. Calao-it, Maritess B. Palaes, Elia Q. Fermin;
- Moran and nursing staff of Kapangan District Hospital;
- Fermin and staff from the Kapangan RHU, and to everyone for your positive response and for accomodating us.
- To the partner agencies: Dr. Geraldine Orasing of the Philippine Science High School- CAR Campus for her dedication in all the medical missions;
- Commission on Higher Education – CAR Dr. Bernadette C. Pal-ec, Jezeny O. Laoyan and Jurcell V. Dilla;
- The Technical Support Company, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 15 of the Philippine National Police: Police: PSSG Larry C. Tagtag, PCPL Rolando S. Moles, PCPL Ace Darell Mencion, PAT Dave D. Macanas
- To our big hearted and dedicated volunteer Doctors: Dr. Jeremie Marie A. Del Rosario, Dr. Lea O. Del Rosario and Ms. Shaira T. Casi (Intern)
- And lastly to the sponsors and donors: Unilab, Anytime Fitness, Meridiam Home Health, MM GARA Inc., Curatio, Metropolitan Pharma, Intermed, Cathay Drug, and Glenmark
Once again, the Baguio Central University – College of Nursing and School of Midwifery administration, faculty and students are in deep gratitude for your unending support and service to the community. Truly a joyous season of giving and a mission of healing! Happy Holidays!!!