The Marinduque Medical Mission of Love 2001 was undoubtedly a big success. It served six municipalities in the province, namely: Boac, Mogpog, Santa Cruz, Torrijos, Buenavista, and Gasan.from May 20-27, 2001. The mission was a product of painstaking preparation for a couple of years by members of the Marinduque Interna-tional, Inc. headed by the able and admirable Dr. Rodolfo L. Jao. The Club Marinduqueno, Inc. (CMI) headed by its president, Mr. Arsenio Tanco and his wife Alice, also coordinated in these efforts. Four members of the CMI, Mrs. Linda Villamayor, widow of the late Judge Manuel L. Villamayor, with her daughter Sandy, and Dra. Mercy Esguerra and husband Felino Esguerra joined us in the mission.
   Mrs. Lita Alandy, Dra. Buena Riformo and Mrs. Herminia H. Belarmino monitored the patients movements seeing to it that they were seen according to their assigned numbers. Needless to say, these humanitarian and charitable undertakings earned the admiration of the people in Marinduque. They realized that there are people who care. Speaking for Sta. Cruz, where we were assigned to coordinate, we were impressed with the influx of indigent patients, who traveled from remote barrios. some by foot, to be seen and treated by the doctors. Probably this is an opportunity for some of them to see a doctor for the first time in their lives. They were very disciplined as they waited patiently in their seats, uncertain when the doctor will see them. The mission in Sta. Cruz was scheduled for two sucessive days, Monday and Tuesday (May 20-21). While the one for Torrijos was scheduled on Thursday, May 23.
   We arrived at the hospital early in the morning to see if the patients were already there. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, the doctors who were supposed to be coming from Boac, failed to show up. However, the local doctors and dentists were at hand to provide the services.
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| MarinduqueNews International
Volume 5.1                                                                                                                                                       Fall 2001
Seated:  Ms. Sandra and Mrs. Linda Villamayor, Mr. & Mrs. Andre and Herminia Belarmino.  Standing: Mr. & Mrs. Edgar & Lita Alandy,
Dra. Mercy and husband Mr.Felino Esguerra
The head of Sta. Cruz Hospital, Dra. Thelma Principe and Dr. Honesto Marquez, saved the day for the patients who were already there. We had a very short supply of medicines compared to the other towns. The staff of the Sta. Cruz Hospital were very helpful - they did a wonderful job. There were six patients who were sent to the Provincial Hospital in Boac for certain surgery. Edgar Alandy, our chief coordinator, in the midst of a very hot day, left for Boac, not only to accompany these patients but also to get medicines. On the second day, Tuesday, the doctors coming from Boac, together with about 15 members of their contingent arrived in Sta. Cruz Hospital at about 10:30 am.. It was a big relief. We were elated to meet and see them again. They were very much welcome.
    Lunch was provided by the Nutrition Department of the hospital. We all had a sumptuous lunch with cold drinks that temporarily relieved us from the unbearable heat. Thanks to the head of the Nutrition Department and its entire staff. They did a splendid job and showed their true spirit of hospitality. There were excitements around. After exchanges of pleasan-tries, Dr. Jao, with his contingents treated some of the paients for a while. Afterwards, they left for Torrijos, except Dr. Atienza, an ophtalmologist, and Mrs. Paz Sulit, assisting him remained to continue treating eye patients. At about 4 o'clock, they were to leave for Boac but we begged and requested them to extend their stay up to 6pm to finish treating the patients who were already there for the last two days waiting to be seen by the doctor. They were so kind and understanding to accede to our request. I agreed to take them along with us going to Boac where we will be staying for the rest of the week. Luckily, everyone was seen. So we were happy. Kudos to Dr. Atienza and Mrs. Paz Sulit. Spouses Larry and Dra. Buena Riformo prepared lunch and merienda for the contingents in their house. We extend our thanks for their good-will and generosity. In general, everything went well with the mission. It is worth repeating. Congratulations and mabuhay!!
                                                                              By:  Andy Belarmino
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