Health for Peace 2 Medical-Dental Mission in Tala, Caloocan

Health for Peace 2, the second Medical-Dental Mission at Barangay 188, Phase 12, Tala, Caloocan City was successfully conducted by The Peacemakers’ Circle last November 26, 2006 (Sunday). This is the third medical outreach service offered by the Peacemakers and its partners to a Muslim-Christian grassroots community in Metro Manila—the first one was last October 2, 2005 that was held in Barangay Maharlika, Taguig City; and the second was the Health for Peace I in Tala which was held last March 18, 2006.

Health for Peace 2 was organized in cooperation with the Office on Muslim Affairs – National Capital Region (OMA-NCR), and the local organizations from the Tala community. OMA-NCR provided the transportation for the medical volunteers and conducted the free dental service for about 89 pedia and adult patients (67 tooth extractions and 22 dental check-ups).

The Federation of Muslim Religious Leaders (Caloocan chapter)—under the leadership of Chairman Eddie Dumatog—sponsored the meals for the volunteers. The United Riverside Homeowners Association offered snacks and refreshments, and the Muslim-Christian Peacemakers’ Association provided security and logistical support.

The Health for Peace team composed of nine (9) medical volunteers from the Young Moro Professionals Network (YMPN) and the University of the Philippines Association of Muslim Students (UP-AMS); three (3) nurses and ten (14) non-medical volunteers from The Peacemakers’ Circle and other organizations.

Thankful cheers go to the following who took time out from their weekend to offer their services and render their selfless support for the underprivileged community:

(doctors)
1. Sherjan Kalim, MD
2. Guiaria S. Camarudin, MD
3. Al-Radjid Jamiri
4. Angelie Dugasan
5. Christie Esqutin
6. Abdul Mothalib RM Onos II
7. Bin Rashid A. Chin
8. Anna Leah Dipatuan
9. Rocaya Lucman

(nurses)
1. Judy Banu, VD, RN
2. Jennifer Cayme, RN
3. Fr. Michael Yathu, OFM, (RN)







(non-medical)
1. Shakun Vaswani (Peacemakers’ Circle)
2. Lee Collano (Peacemakers’ Circle)
3. Orlan de Guzman, Jr. (Peacemakers’ Circle)
4. Ms. Genie Kupang (Peacemakers’ Circle/ St. Paul-Pasig)
5. Bro. Lucas Marandi, SX (Xaverian Missionaries)
6. Bro. Valentin Shukuru, SX
7. Bro. Purnomo, SX
8. Ms. Queen Frilles (Young Peace Society)
9. Ms. Kit Paclibar (Peacemaker ShinJin Circle)
10. Ms. Dianne Olegario (Nativity of Our Lord Parish)
11. Susannah Capales (Tagline Events)
12. Arthur dela Punta (Tagline Events)
13. Arnulfo Butil (Tagline Events)
14. Sancef Flores (Tagline Events)

The Peacemakers’ Circle and the co-organizers also wish to acknowledge with gratitude and appreciation the following individuals and organizations for their invaluable donations and contributions:

• Biogesic for Kids (UniLab)
• Glaxo SmithKline Pharma. Co.
• Merck Pharma. Co.
• Phil. Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO)
• Interfaith Center for the Culture of Nonviolence
• Asec, Ma. Theresa M. Alano, Office for Muslim & Christian Affairs, Department of Social Welfare & Development (DSWD)
• Dir. Romy Halabaso & Mr. Victor Caguimbal, Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP)
• Ms. Ana May Resuma-Edonila, Tagline Events & Management Services, Inc.
• Fr. Andre de Bleeker, CICM, Maryhill School of Theology
• St. Paul College – Pasig
• Xaverian Missionary


On behalf of the 500 pediatric patients from the community who were able to receive medical services and free medicine, The Peacemakers’ Circle wishes to deeply thank all the volunteers and donors who have made this outreach program a success. With our invaluable supporters and some more new friends expressing willingness to help, we are hopefully looking forward to building bridges of peace and cooperation among healthy and happy communities.

The next Health for Peace Medical Mission is being planned for the Muslim-Christian community in Barangay Culiat, Quezon City. You are all welcome to join or pitch-in your contribution. We are also currently planning to reach out to other communities for future projects. We will appreciate your valuable cooperation in our future programs.

Health for Peace 1 Medical Mission: An Interfaith Action for Social Change

The Health for Peace Medical Mission, an initiative of the Interfaith Action for Social Change, was successfully conducted by the Peacemakers’ Circle last March 18, 2006 (Saturday) at Barangay 188, Phase 12, Tala, Caloocan City. This is the second medical outreach service offered by the Peacemakers and its partners to a Muslim-Christian grassroots community in Metro Manila-- the first one was last October 2, 2005 that was held in Barangay Maharlika, Taguig City.

The project was organized in cooperation with several participating associations. Among the local groups that provided food, security and logistical support were: the United Neighborhood Organization of Riverside, the Federation of Muslim Religious Leaders (Caloocan chapter), the Muslim-Christian Peacemakers’ Association (MCPA); and barangay tanods and officials. Peacemakers’ partner agency, the Office on Muslim Affairs-National Capital Region (OMA-NCR), provided food and transportation for the medical volunteers, and free dental service.

The Young Moro Professionals Network (YMPN) helped to gather the team of medical practitioners—composed of nine (9) medical doctors and seven (7) nurses. Some of them were participating for the second time since the last medical mission. Our heartfelt thanks go to the following who took time out from their weekend to offer their services and render their selfless support for the underprivileged community:

(doctors)
1. Naheeda Dimacisil, MD
2. Darwin Dimakuta, MD
3. Sherjan Kalim, MD
4. Jehada Inn Misuari
5. Angelie Dugasan
6. Zhamir Umag
7. Maria Trinia Asuncion
8. Sheela Ann Datukon
9. Al-Radjid Jamiri
(nurses)
1. Arjin Ajibon
2. Maria Hyde Climaco
3. Maria Christine Climaco
4. Vrinnel Angela Mae Ucang
5. Ellenor Delina
6. Mary Jane Escasinas
7. Jennifer Cayme



The Peacemakers’ Circle and the co-organizers of the project also wish to recognize with gratitude and appreciation the contribution of the following who donated medicines and cash:

• Novartis
• Glaxo-SmithKline
• MG Prime, Inc.
• Pro Health Pharmaceuticals
• Merck, Inc
• Miriam College Center for Peace Education
• Mr. Michael Lim


Nearly 500 pediatric patients were given medical attention and free medicine. But many more could not be attended to because there were too many of them and there was not enough time and doctors to service them all. They will be attended to at a second run of the medical mission which is yet to be scheduled later in the coming months.

The Peacemakers' Circle wishes to acknowledge with deep appreciation the cooperation of all the volunteers and supporters who have made this outreach project a success. We look forward to more interfaith cooperation and unity for healthier, brighter and more peaceful communities.