Dateline Sariaya - Mission Accomplished
Click here to view photo album

On a rainy night on June 17, mission volunteers assembled at the NAIA arrival section and were transported by a chartered bus to Ouan’s Worth Farm Resort in Lucena, Quezon, our home base during mission week. It was almost 3 a.m. when we unpacked our bags and hit the sack.  

We started the next day with a breakfast meeting followed by hospital set-up and patient screening in the afternoon. Evening found us in Sariaya where Mayor Connie Doromal hosted the welcome reception. Entertainment was unbelievable as the nationally-acclaimed school rondalla ensemble performed a 30-minute medley of popular Pilipino music- they are the best!

Dance numbers were lively and captivating - capped by the beautiful dancers handing out ice cream treats to the beat of “Mamang Sorbetero” - oh so memorable!  The home-grown teacher’s garage band played rock and roll sets during dinner- some numbers were inviting enough for some people to hit the dance floor, while most were Maalox moments.

The jeepney ride to and from Sariaya was quite an experience. It was both bumpy and airy. The ride made us all feel more connected with mother nature and her indigenous odors. Our mission in Sariaya was to begin. The next 5 days were grueling and exhausting as we went on to accomplish our goal of delivering high-quality medical care to our needy countrymen from Sariaya.

Medical clinics were held in 5 different locations in Sariaya ranging from an open coconut field to an ornate building. Temperature was hot and humid.

Volunteers include:  Dr. Dinia Cruz-Reyes, Dr. Avelino Reyes, Dr. Michael Mostyn, Dr. Edith Khurana, Dr. Pat Avila, Dr. Estrella Avila, Dr. Nancy Catarroja, NP Nora Shaw, Nina Izsak, Pat McCaw, Clair White, Renato Moraga, Rex Cariaga, Gina Cariaga, Mya Santos, Ariela Izsak, Alex Izsak, Nica Cabigao, Leon Izsak, Celine Izsak, Lolita Freeman, Camille Mamaril, Aileen Calzado, Nick Calzado, Neil Calzado, & Barret Folk…

Major surgeries were done at the newly-renovated Quezon Memorial Hospital OR suites.  

Volunteers were:  Dr. Olivia Cabigao, Dr. Connie Babu, Dr. Linda Gage-White, Dr. Joel De La Paz, Dr. AJ Gan, Dr. Manny Ng, CRNA Eugene Carolino, Mariles Santos, Rudy Mamaril, Eva Mamaril, Lilia Cariaga, Joe Carolino, Steven Quiseng, JR Villocillo, Arlene De La Paz, Nessie Calzado,  Lourdes Ducedec, & Nina Batac.

Minor surgeries were performed at the Sariaya Rural Health Unit by the following volunteers:  Dr. Ben Izsak, Dr. Ed Cabigao, Dr. Doni Santiago, Andrew Cabigao, and Louie Cabigao.

Eye surgeries were done at Santos Clinic in Malolos, Bulacan by Dr. Sabino Santos, Jr. and staff.

Photos & Videos:
Scott & Benny Quiseng.
Click here for the 2006 medical mission Photo Album

Trouble-shooters:
Nestor Calzado, Jimmy Villocillo, Lito Villocillo, and Fred McCaw.

Food /Refreshment coordinators:
Dobbie/Cynthia/Geddy Tan

The farewell reception was held at the Ouan’s Worth Resort. The next day, we were treated to a relaxing beach picnic at the new Pueblo de la Playa resort in Pagbilao. The sand was powdery white and the water was salty aqua.  Everybody enjoyed kayaking, jet skiing, and beach volleyball. This was a fitting end to a most fulfilling week. Thanks for the memories!

Final Stats:      
Medical patients treated - 2,563
Minor surgeries - 162
Major surgeries - 50
Eye surgeries - 27