FANA MEDICAL MISSION IN DAGUPAN CITY, Philippines 2008
In January, 2008, a group of more than 120 volunteers from around the US and Canada went to Dagupan City and the town of Malasiqui in Pangasinan for a four day for the former and two day (Wednesday and Thursday) for the later, medical surgical mission sponsored by Far Eastern and American Nurses Association (FANA) of Great Lakes, Michigan. It was spearheaded by Angie Bedia RN. Ten members from DFAA namely, Rene and Glinda Noceda, Ruben and Norma Catris, Leo and Digna Moises, Digo and Florence Torres, Bambang and Sandy Soedarjatno were in this medical mission.
The mission was a big success but not without a glitch. Monday morning at breakfast on our first day of the mission Angie announced that the bulk of our medicine hasn’t arrived and that we will be out of business at the end of the day. In the spirit of true voluntarism and generosity among the group we were able to collect more than $8,000.00 to procure the needed medicine. I’m happy to say that our supply of medicine arrived Tuesday night and ended up having a surplus to giveaway to the needy.
We had services in Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, Minor and Major Surgery, Dental, and Para Medic Training seeing more than 7,000 patients. We did a total of 30 major surgeries. I worked in the OR and as always the case in every mission; we were the last ones to finish. Two ambulances were donated, one each for Dagupan and Malasiqui. FANA also donated hemodialysis units and ultrasound machines. All these would not have been possible without the help and cooperation of both the city of Dagupan and the town of Malasiqui. They welcomed us with open arms and an invitation to come again.
It wasn’t always work. We were treated very well by the city and town officials. Security was provided and we felt safe going around the city especially for our African American and Caucasian volunteers. There was the Sunday welcome dinner and entertainment which I missed. I can only say that I truly enjoyed the nightly dinner and entertainment. The food and entertainment were excellent and we really got to unwind and mingled with the rest of the missionaries and the officials after a hard day of work. The Thursday farewell dinner at Mayor Fernandez “Palaisdahan” resort was a night to remember. Nothing was spared. It was a Filipiniana fare with all the trimmings. The push cart “sorbetes” (ice cream), the fish ball and hot dog stand and “Mamang magtataho” brought out fond memories of our growing up in the Philippines as we savored these delicacies.
Of course we could not leave Pangasinan without visiting the famous Hundred Islands. The outing was sponsored by the mayor of Malasiqui who is a nephew of Angie. Saturday was spent visiting Baguio. Sunday was when everyone went on their separate ways to spend time with friends and relatives or to continue on with their planned vacation.
This was my first time to join a medical mission. A friend of mine has been doing this every year for eight years now and she always told me how fulfilling it is for her doing it. Now that I took the plunge, I know it won’t be my last. I would like to do it every year if finances permit. Some might call medical missions just a bandage but I feel good about it. If a patient who had hernia operation who other wise could not have afford the surgery can now go back to work in the field and be more productive, I know I had a part in making a difference in his life. We all have different reasons why we do it but I know the bottom line is to give back and to help our Kababayan and what a better way to do it than to join a medical mission.
By: Sandra Soedarjatno, RN, BSN
Member & Missionary