7th ACNA International Humanitarian Medical, Dental and Optical Mission
Posted by APhiO on Mon 25 May 2009 12:41:24 MDT.

Hello everyone,

This is just an initial report while we are waiting for the arrival of Bro. Ben J. Castro, who headed ACNA`s delegation to the 7th ACNA International Humanitarian Medical, Dental and Optical Mission in Barangay 105, Tondo, Manila. Bro. Gene Licauco and myself shall make the final official report. We shall also incorporate the inputs of Bro. Ben Castro.

The 7th ACNA International Humanitarian Medical, Dental and Optical Mission in Barangay 105, Tondo, Manila was overwhelmingly a huge success. I would like to give my highest salute to APO-SAPOT headed by Bro. President Tony Laurena and Over-all Coordinator Bro. Rey Anthony Fong and Adviser Bro. Romy Munda for giving all they’ve got in hosting this year’s IHMDO Mission. I also would like to thank Sis. Sallie Licauco for a job-well-done in the packaging and distribution of the used clothing and stuff toys. Our heartfelt gratitude for Bro. Dhing Gulay and Sis. Nancy Saturno and Sis. Annie Laceda for providing the transportation services for the foreign-based brothers and sisters and of course to Bro. Mayor Jojo Binay for giving all foreign-based brothers and sisters free accommodation and lodging at the Makati Friendship Suites, Sis. Celia Valdez and Sis. Luvy Lumang of Flordeliz Group in full force in an all-around assistance.The Service Project was attended by famous Philippine personalities namely National President Mel Adriano, Mal acanang Peace Process Secretary and APO Honorary member, Gen. Sonny Razon, National EVP Bong Cruz, National VP for Sorority Affairs Sis. Rikki Liquigan, Past National President Rod Mapoy, ACNA`s First Lady Sis. Aurora Castro and many Alumni Association Presidents.

This is the biggest service project of this magnitude in the area according to the Barangay Officials headed by Barangay Chairman Chito Reyes. There were more than 2,000 people who showed up at the Barangay Multipurpose Building. Despite the huge number of patients, the success of a very orderly delivery of services was due to the earlier pre-registration system formulated by the Host Alumni Association and the Barangay Officials. Many APO brothers, sisters and collegiate residents attended and helped in the Mission. I would like to commend the countless Brothers and Sisters from APO-MAS and MAFI headed by Bro. Mike Hernandez and APO-DAP headed by Chair Person Sis. Yoya Tarriela and President Bro. Jun Martinez in performing their medical and dental expertise in treating the patients without reservations. To them I take my hat off. Without them all our efforts would have been wasted. I would also like to thank the active presence of Brothers from APO-LAWMAN, led by APO-NCR Regional Director Bro. Col. Wenny Abordo who provided the security. TO THE COUNTLESS BROTHERS AND SISTERS WHO CAME TO HELP, MABUHAY KAYONG LAHAT!

We distributed pre-pack bags of used clothings, shoes and stuff toys to the individual attendees. More than 300 boys were circumcised, about 280 dental extractions were performed and about 350 optical consultations complete with distribution of glasses were completed. We have adequate medicines and supplies issued out.

”Marami lang talaga sa ating kababayan na nangangailangan ng ating tulong”

Our (ACNA`s) presence was also deeply felt due to our physical presence (APO foreign based volunteers) and the tremendous amount of medical and dental supplies and medicines that was donated by ACNA for in a concerted efforts by all Alumni Associations. There were also non-APO friends that gave their support for a worthy cause.

Leftover medicines and supplies are to be flown to the Caticlan Medical, Dental and Optical Mission in Boracay. I would like to thank everyone who contributed in some form to the success of both missions.Foreign-based brothers and sisters made a memorable and strong presence during the mission led by ACNA President Bro. Ben Castro and APO-USA President, Sis. Maggie Kazt, APO-USA’S ICAPO Chairperson Sis. Beth Tom, APO-USA Region X Director Franklin “Henson” Brodsky, ACNA 1st VP Sis. Cora De Jesus, ACNA 2nd VP and 25th NBC Over-all Chairperson Sis. Belle Tumbukon, ACNA Auditor Bro. Paul Villafuerte, APO-Hawaii President Bo. Ian Beltrano, LIUF Director Bro. Bong Estrada, Chicago IPP Bro. Pet Ramos, San Diego’s Bro. Gordon Gordo and Sis. E dith Gordo, Norcal’s Bro. Ricky Parazo, Las Vegas’ Sis. Ruby, Toronto’s Bro.Bernard Pesueno and Sis.Grace and APO-Hollywood members led by President Bro. Jun Bangan.

We will give more updates on the Mission tomorrow.

Yours in LFS,

Bro Art F. Libot
ACNA Representative to APO-Philippines