January 7-8, 2009 – San Ildefonso

Medical, Dental & Minor Surgical Mission

January 7-8, 2009 – San Ildefonso

After the Cataract Mission at the Gabriela Silang General Hospital that marked the first humanitarian endeavour led by Vice Governor Jeremias “Jerry” Singson (VG JCS) with his JCS Foundation for the new year on January 7-18, the next big event of this nature for the year was held at the small but dynamic town of San Ildefonso, Ilocos Sur hosted by Mayor Christian “Basi” Purisima who also acted as the chief mess man for the meals and snacks.3

In the first photo, VG JCS is shown in a huddle with veteran Provincial Board Member Azucena “Chuchi” Purisima, the mayor’s mother, at the head table preparatory to the free medical services.

Photo no. 2 shows the table for medicines that was the earliest busy place. No. 3 photo shows the table where patients are accommodated and recorded for their ailment back-dropped by the line of patients. Also shown seated at the right is Vigan-born former Congressman Felipe “Jun” Abinsay of Hawaii who was on a visit and conferred with VG JCS about the joint efforts with Ilocos Surian Association of Hawaii and the State Government of Hawaii which has sisterhood ties with Ilocos Sur.

As always, VG JCS was busy as a bee, shown in photo No. 4 with Mic giving instructions to the multitude of medical mission personalities. Whenever he sees the need, VG JEREMIAS “Jerry” SINGSON, in photo No. 5, approaches newly arrived beneficiaries to advice on what to do.

Photo No. 6 shows the waiting and orientation area for patients and their companions at the Youth Center (covered hall). Photo No. 7 shows a part of the people who came in droves to get health care attention with their families, also, showing Mayor Christian Purisima in the company of VG JCS at the head table.

The JCSF Medical Mission officially begins with the National Anthem (photo No. 8) complete with the Philippine flag. Then the actual action starts (photo no. 9) between doctors and patients with attendants, nurses and aides.

Always, the snacks and meals are served under the sponsorship of the host municipality (photo No. 10-11) that offer a well deserved repast for the hardworking doctors, nurses and a host of other volunteers.

This mission lasted until 7:00 P.M. after having served 2,478 patients for medical (1,850 adult and pedia). Dental (121), surgical (70), derma (47), circumcision (31), fasting blood sugar (43), OB check-up (2) and optha (61). Free eyeglasses were given to deserving patients after a thorough check-up by Dr. Marilou Launio (Optometrist). Some patients had to be referred to the Gabriela Silang General Hospital for cataract surgery and other major ailments.

From the Provincial health Office who came to serve were Dr. Carmeliza Singson and Dr. Rosalinda Quesada; from GSGH were Drs. Trina Tabboga and Profirio Tugas; Dermatologist Dr. Durma Vera Cruz Basilio; Drs. Ma. Teresa Tabaco (San Ildefonso MHU), Lourdes Guzman (Sto. Domingo MHU), Ronald Tobias (Magsingal District Hospital Chief), Amando Agdeppa (Sinait District Hospital Chief), Antonio Palpalatoc (San Juan MHU), Rudy Singson (Cabugao RHU), Edna Rabena (Caoayan RHU), Federico Anaen (Salcedo MHU), Pablo Quesada (Central District Hospital Chief), and Optometrist Dr. Marilou Launio.

There were also volunteer nurses and day care workers as well as support staff from the Vice Governor’s Office and GSGH. The balikbayan guests were Ms. Lolita Astom Antolin and Ms. Luz Alquiza Duque.