The personnel and student volunteers of Mary the Queen College (Pampanga) Inc. (MQCPI), together with volunteer doctors, nurses, dentists, Guagua Barangay Council and Health Workers, conducted a Medical, Dental Mission and a Feeding Program last October 25, 2009 with the theme: “Lingap at Lugud ng Maria” at its school grounds. The said mission was undertaken for the benefit of more than 300 indigent residents of barangays San Pedro, Sta Rosa, San Anton, San Juan, San Matias, San Roque, Betis, Sto. Cristo, San Rafael and Barangay Quilo who are most in need of Medical and Dental Assistance.
The Mission was implemented in line with MQC’s objective which is to provide Health Care Services through free medical and dental check-up and free medicines. Along with the mission is a feeding program for some malnourished children of the different barangays in the locality.
The Mission started at 8:00AM. As the head of the Community Outreach, and with the help of Mr. Richard N. Briones, Head of the Office of the Student Affairs, we gladly welcomed with enthusiasm and gratitude the volunteer Doctors, Nurses, Dentists, the members of the Rotary Club of Guagua Chapter, the 13th Ready Reserve Air Group headed by TSg. Rufino M. Candelaria, Philippine Air Force Reserve (PAFR) and the Volunteer Student Nurses of the University of the Assumption. The Dental Team led by Dr. Candy Cancio also came along with other dentists in this great humanitarian effort.
Residents of some barangays in Guagua with stubs, and a few walk-ins were all accommodated by the Team. Some of the MQC personnel and student volunteers helped in the registration and in directing people where to go. They were also responsible in assisting the patients as they wait for their turns. Others involved themselves in the feeding of about 100 malnourished children.
To the many volunteers outside MQC, they were amazed to witness such an orderly and well organized operation led by the vibrant and down to earth MQC President, Mr. Michael B. Lapid. The President with his leadership, along with the organizers was able to make the event successful with only two week’s preparation.
The Dean of College, Mrs. Dolores T. Quiambao, who has to attend a Parochial Celebration in Guagua Church in celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary came in the afternoon and gave her moral support to all the volunteers. She further made commendation by extending her sincerest congratulations to everyone for a job well done.
In the interview conducted by Sarah Colis, a staff of Papyrus (MQC’s Official Publication), positive remarks and feedback were given by some of the volunteers. Mr. Mark Sulit, RN., Clinical Instructor of the University of the Assumption said, “For a school like MQC who is just starting, it is overwhelming that it was able to conduct a Medical and Dental Mission. My heart is filled with happiness everytime I am joining a Medical Mission. I don’t feel the tiredness. I am glad that I can help other people. MQC community is very hospitable. We are entertained so much.” In addition, Dr. Danny V. Villanueva said, “As long as there is a directive from the higher office, we obey no matter how busy we are. Medical Missions serve as avenues to the less fortunate. It’s a good feeling that we are helping in a little way in uplifting the health status of the community. The MQC staff and volunteers are very accommodating. They were attending to the needs of the participants and mostly to the recipients of the mission, the patients.”
As the day went on, some Barangay Health Workers were present to assist the indigent residents of Guagua. A representative form the Local Government Unit in the person of Sangguniang Bayan Member Hon. Baby Howell D. Torres was also around to support the mission. He was responsible in the giving out of the stubs to the indigent residents of Guagua. With him are the Barangay Health Workers who identified and brought the malnourished children for the feeding program.
The day ended with the MQC volunteers expressing their gratitude to all volunteers who have participated in the endeavor and for making it a successful one. Words of gratitude were given to the efforts of the men in uniform who were responsible in keeping the peace and order, and to all the Sponsors as well as the Doctors, Nurses, and Dentists who unselfishly shared their expertise and time on a Sunday.
Once again, MQC was able to extend community service, a work of mercy, a product of charity to the residents of nearby barangays of Guagua. What a truly wonderful gesture of love and care to the less fortunate! It was indeed a great day for humanity! It was an act of being socially responsible to those who are in dire need of help, which is the very heart of our mission! It was MQC’s first Medical and Dental Mission, and surely it will NOT be the last!
Fe B. Gonzales
