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U/TREK
IN BALESIN FOR 2003 OUTREACH PROJECT
By: Glenda
V. Gallo
We
did it again guys! Utrek went on with a successful medical
and dental mission with "Aksyon Kalusugan sa Balesin"
as its theme. Doc Rosa, the event’s Project Coordinator
once more headed and came up with a commendable mission.
May
24-25, 2003, the weekend that Utrek touched the lives of 160
families of Balesin, Polilio Island, Quezon Province. The
Saturday afternoon and Sunday Morning missions resulted to
a total of 406 patients who underwent check-up---290 medical;
95 dental; 21 circumcision. Common ailments were low blood
pressure, anemia, acute upper respiratory tract infection,
cough and colds. The club’s volunteers (18 members and
five initiates) were more than willing to assist the three
medical professionals and eight dentists (including Doc Rosa).
The mission covered not just medication. It included distribution
of purefoods canned goods, hapee toothpaste, Enervon Prime
to senior citizens, old clothes, and toys for the kids. Enervon
HP feeding to the children was likewise conducted.
Balesin
is the ideal venue to conduct an outreach. The island separated
from the Quezon Province mainland is accessible only by a
three-hour motorboat ride from the Dinahikan Port. An island
that is somehow isolated is lacking in so many essentials.
The club’s outreach is a blessing in itself, for Balesin
could not afford a regular health personnel with whom they
could consult their health problems. In fact, very seldom
that volunteers/groups visit the place for medical and dental
mission. There is only one blood pressure apparatus in the
community and it is not functioning. Because of this, even
simple blood pressure check up was greatly appreciated by
the residents. Water is very precious since the locals rely
only on accumulated and conserved rainwater for their yearlong
consumption. The area needs installation of rain catchers
that estimated to cost one hundred thousand pesos. These water
projects if installed would definitely make a difference to
the residents. Too bad, the local government on its tight
budget could not provide any allotment as of the present.
Fortunately coconut trees survive even on dry spells. However
rice, fruits and vegetables could not, and are all imported
from the mainland. In spite of the difficulties and hardships
that the people of Balesin are encountering, we were still
accorded the sense of belonging and extra-ordinary hospitality.
Well-prepared snacks—pancit and nilupak (mashed banana
and cassava) satisfied our taste buds. The warm welcome of
the locals and the native food fueled us with the much-needed
energy. At all times that we interacted with them, our efforts
were reciprocated for we felt the sincere and deep gratitude
that visibly radiates from their shy smiles. These inspired
us to deliver and make the best out of our mission. It redefined
our perspective in life-a meaningful way of touching lives.
We realized that there is still a lot more to give…in
so many ways and means we could ever imagine. In those two
days that we reached out to the natives of Balesin, we treasured
the experience. Suddenly, we became fully aware that when
you share yourself with others, life begins to find its meaning.
The time we touched the lives of others is the moment we truly
lived. Kneeled down at the charming chapel, we thanked the
Heavens above for the opportunity of coming in close contact
with its people. With prayers from our hearts to guide and
allow us to come back in the succeeding years.
INTERESTING
DETAILS:
The
place is like Boracay, in fact more beautiful in some aspects…bewitching,
unspoiled, secluded, sanctuary for the tired bodies, haven
for marine life. The beach with its wide expanse of pristine
white sand is a picture of serenity, soothing to the stressed
minds. Mayor Isarme Bosque extended to us the usage of the
first class facilities of the resort complete with two rooms
for the medical team and the swimming pool. Utrek people became
tourists after work and we recognized the chance gratefully.
The early Sunday morning lazes under the tropical sun allowed
us to absorb the cool island breeze. Eager to swim, we cooled
down our bodies into the turquoise water of the sea non-stop.
The food is excellent down to the last fiber. Crab, huge fish,
ginataang langka… fresh from the shore and nearby trees,
straight to the grand dining hall---which is of course another
privilege. Even non-coffee drinkers could not refuse the resort’s
concoction of arabica and barako extracts. The well-maintained
dining hall we occupied every meal time nestled in between
shades of golden shower trees, orchids, bougainvillea’s,
and blossoms of variety of flowers. Overlooking the well-carved
blooming garden, we revived our dining pleasures.
SOCIALS:
The
Saturday nightfall was the summation of our complete enjoyment.
Tales behind our kanchawan- release of our own versions of
laughter was all over as we lively staged our games. Everybody
was in the amazing mood to show off dance prowess in graceful
movements to the rhythm of combination of tones of voices
during the shagy-dy. The gin pomelo intakes of our two Arnels
(member and initiate) were tested as consequences at the rounds
of seven up, concentration and dirty finger games. All of
us who participated in the socials had our own share of shots
of pomelo gin that lasted past midnight. What a night to remember!
A Superb Mega-Party under the bright sky illuminated by millions
of twinkling stars!
The
three-hour return trip boat ride required us to pray for our
safety. We could not trace any calmness on the waves that
seemed to go on and on. Sometimes the waves were identical
to that of Siargao’s surfing. But our faith strengthened
us and the Father Almighty guided us on this trip. By 6pm
on Sunday, we eagerly disembarked and marked the end of our
travel at the sea.
A
one of a kind experience to reckon with, we triumphed at the
Balesin Outreach. It was a very special weekend.
BALESIN
2003 OUTREACH TEAM:
Medical
Doctors:
Myrna Dasco-Cuerdo, Aila Alcotin, Doc Rene
Dentists:
Jerry Factora, Nelson Angeles, Vicky Vargas, Myla Pambid,
Melody Lagsac, Genine Gapuz, Maan Tejero, Rosa Fruto
Members:
Sonny(91), Doc Rosa(95), Judith(95), Cado(99), Emer(99), My
(00), Joel(00), Marion (00), Marlon(00), Lin`(01), Arnel(00),
Arlene(00), Luv(00), Agnes(02), Abner(02), Donna(02), Glenda(02),
Vangie(02), Jhun(02)
Initiates
2003:
Mon, Arnel, Dennis, Rhea, Lala
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
MR. REGI BAYLOSIS (Purefoods Hormel Company Inc.)
MS. MYRA G. ALMOGINO (Bank of the Philippine Islands)
MR. BONIFACIO CO (Charity First Foundation)
MR. STEPHEN CHAN (Southern Tools Corp.)
MR JOHNNY S.L. VALDEZ (Johnny Air Cargo)
MR. BEN YAP (United Laboratories Inc.)
MS. BABY MERCADO (Mercado and Associates-Philam Plans North)
MR. BENJAMIN LIUSON (Pacific Pharmaceuticals Generics Inc.)
MS. SOL ALVAREZ (St. Martin’s Foundation)
MS. SANDY VILLACRUZ (Lamoiyan Corp./Hapee Toothpaste)
MR. JOSE PINEDA (Century Tuna)
MR. RAFFY LANTIN (Century Pacific)
ATTY. JOSE N. BORROMEO JR. (Kenram Phils. Inc.)
MAYOR ISARME BOSQUE (Polilio, Quezon Province)
MR. ED LEGASPI
Mr. GODOFREDO CALICA, Jr.
Mr. JOHN KENT
Mr. JONARD TAYAWA
Mr. EDDIE ZAMORA (Balesin Resort Manager)
Mr. ARIEL and MS. CECILLE SOLTURA
All the nameless donors, medical, dental personnel and volunteers
who shared their time, talents, and resources for the success
of this project…
GOD
BLESS YOU!
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