Tuesday, December 05, 2006

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.

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