(Part 2)
The United Catanduanes San Diego (UCSD) and Friends has recently completed its third Medical and Humanitarian Mission this year. Inspired by the theme “The Gift of Love Keeps on Giving,” the week-long program from January 29 to February 3, 2024 rendered medical/dental/optical assistance and gave gifts to over 4,000 deserving recipients in 56 barangays in all 11 municipalities of Catanduanes. It also extended the same services to 74 Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) in the Virac District Jail.
This laudable achievement can be rightfully attributed to UCSD’s dynamic team. The inspiration provided by its Founder/President, Dr. Oscar Enriquez is complemented by the unwavering support and cooperation of several individuals and groups who share his humanitarian objectives – making up a dream partnership. Truly one for the books.
This post seeks to recognize the powerhouse team, the game changers, and the value creators behind The Gift of Love Humanitarian Mission.
International Donors
In every humanitarian initiative, the role of sponsors and donors in creating an enabling environment is vital. The timely and efficient conduct of the UCSD mission this year was made possible through funds donated by Catandunganons and Friends from USA and Mrs. Salvacion Olfindo Enriquez and Family. The solid backing of the Texan Friends of Catanduanes (TFC) and Standard Family Properties (LCC) merits grateful recognition. Appreciation and thanks should also be accorded to the Standard Medical Clinic of Southeast Texas, Lone Star Standard Medical Group PA, and Dr. Murlidhar Amin.
Their overwhelming support made a lot of difference for thousands of struggling lives.
Provincial Organizers and Coordinators
With proper funding in place, the sourcing of necessary supplies is initiated in the USA. Dr. Enriquez and his hospital staff spend long hours sorting out medicines and various equipment for shipment to the Philippines. The mission founder then keeps close contact with two key people in Virac, the coordination center in Catanduanes.
Dr. Arlynn Arcilla, by virtue of her profession as a medical doctor and as incumbent Vice Mayor of Virac, is a godsend for UCSD. She reaches out to medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and dentists, and local healthcare providers in the rural areas to solicit their participation in the week-long activity. Dr. Arcilla was present in several mission sites, doing medical consultations with utmost care and attention.
The task of coordinating with the religious sector and other professional groups falls on the able shoulders of Biet Tabuzo Pastor. In a Facebook post showing her proudly wearing the official Gift of Love shirt, she said she joined the group not just because the members so generously share their hard-earned blessings with the less fortunate Catandunganons living around small parishes and mission churches, but also because she is impressed by the down-to-earth personalities of their officers and members. In the same post, she affirmed: “Yes, I take pride in being part of their team, I love and enjoy working with them, and I’m mighty proud to wear their shirt!!” Just like Dr. Arcilla, her commitment does not end with planning and coordinating; she is also an active multitasker at mission sites.
The coordination and mobilization efforts of the humanitarian mission similarly get a helpful boost from Sonia Daag-Santos who facilitates shipments of stocks to Virac, and Manuel Romero who generously allows the use of his Virac warehouse for proper storage of goods and equipment, and his vehicles for transporting goods to designated mission areas.
Religious Sector
The cohesive structure of the religious sector in Virac has worked to the best advantage of The Gift of Love mission since Year 1. In consultation with Bishop Manolo de los Santos of the Diocese of Virac, mission churches and small parishes covering poor barangays outside the población were chosen as activity centers. The parish priests of these churches worked closely with their respective barangay officials as well as pastoral and youth councils in pre-assessing the needs of the community and identifying local residents who will benefit the most from the services of the mission. With the help of local residents and church workers, they prepare the designated venues, repack rice for distribution, and make special effort in preparing meals for the volunteers. The excess supplies that were not used on the day of the mission are left in their care for later distribution in their community.
Just as much as they deserve commendation for their hard work, the parishes are similarly thankful to UCSD for reaching out to the faithful in the indigent areas. In a letter to Dr. Enriquez, Fr. Boyet Gapaz of the San Alfonso Maria Fusco Parish in Lictin, San Andres wrote that they were so encouraged to see that even in the midst of uncertain times and financial inconvenience, there are generous souls that make their support felt in many ways. “We are so inspired and heartened by your generosity and spirit of solidarity to our less fortunate sector in our community,” said Fr. Gapaz in that same letter.
Medical/Dental/Optical Professionals
This is one part of the team that seems to grow in number each year. The Catanduanes Medical Society fielded 21 medical doctors to the different mission sites during the week. The Philippine Dental Association Catanduanes Chapter had 20 dentist volunteers in total.
Dr. Ferdinand Que, a Virac-based optometrist was there along with his optical clinic staff.
[Recall that during the 2020 medical mission, Dr. Que became an accidental hero to vlogger Mike Corey, one of five popular video bloggers who call themselves Fighter Boys. While in Baras, Corey developed an eye infection and needed medical attention. The Gift of Love medical mission was going on at that time in one of the barangays and Dr. Que promptly came to the rescue. A video posted by FinnSnow, one of the Fighter Boys, showing the chance encounter has earned over 165,000 views to date. A good number that works for UCSD as well 😊].
[Recall that during the 2020 medical mission, Dr. Que became an accidental hero to vlogger Mike Corey, one of five popular video bloggers who call themselves Fighter Boys. While in Baras, Corey developed an eye infection and needed medical attention. The Gift of Love medical mission was going on at that time in one of the barangays and Dr. Que promptly came to the rescue. A video posted by FinnSnow, one of the Fighter Boys, showing the chance encounter has earned over 165,000 views to date. A good number that works for UCSD as well 😊].
Please click here to view FinnSnow’s video.
Working in close coordination with the doctors and nurses were staff of municipal and rural health units. The combined efforts of this group form a strong backbone for the medical mission. It’s an added value that they are all locals and speak either Bicol or Tagalog and could communicate effectively with the patients. No lost-in-translation moments there.
Civic-oriented Groups
The smooth and orderly flow of activities at mission sites got a lot of help from the men and women members of the Alpha Phi Omega Fraternity and Sorority, The Fraternal Order of Eagles of the Philippines and Lady Eagles Club (through the newly chartered Catanduanes Chapter). They could be seen assisting the disabled, moving stuff and putting them in proper places, helping in different service tables, and serving hot meals to everyone. The APO volunteers put authentic meaning to their motto “Be a Leader. Be a Friend. Be of Service,” and when they take their APO hand sign to their hearts, you know that you’re in good company. The same can be said about the Philippine Eagles (fraternal and sororal), whose guiding principle is service and helping the less fortunate through community projects and other gainful activities. Some medical professionals from both organizations were seen putting their specialization to good use in appropriate consultation areas.
Foreign and Local Volunteers
Through thick and thin, they are there – the committed and tireless volunteers who travel all the way from the US to reconnect with their province of origin and bring smiles to the faces of the less fortunate Catandunganons. They are joined by volunteers from Manila and Catanduanes in the unified act of sharing their valuable time, resources, and love to benefit the needy. Their stay may be short, but their compassion and charitable acts for the beneficiaries are for the long haul.
Franz Ham is a beautiful example (in many ways than just physical) of a UCSD volunteer. She used to be a constant presence in mission fundraising activities in California, but only got to join as a volunteer last year upon the invitation of Dr. Enriquez. That time she was appointed to be one of the group leaders tasked with ensuring the efficient operation of her assigned team. She reflects on this as a learning experience on being both a leader and team player – a role she played so well that this year, she was also asked to organize the Appreciation Dinner for everyone who helped in the mission. She has this to say about her involvement with the group: “Volunteering gave me a sense of achievement and purpose. As you give your time to help others, you also learn a lot of things. Doing good for others provides a natural sense of accomplishment. I got more joy from serving others. It feels great to receive, but it’s far more joyful to give.”
Many other volunteers like Franz may not be named in this post for lack of print space; but their participation in UCSD affairs will be long remembered by those who witnessed and felt their noble acts of serving and giving. Exception begs to be made in the case of the Enriquez family, a key support system of the UCSD founder in this endeavor: From the 84-year-old Tio Miniong Enriquez, to siblings Rosalie (and husband Veda Pielago); William (who chose to stay in the US this time to look after their matriarch, Tia Vacion Enriquez); Franklin and wife Tusa, and to their pretty daughter Fayanne who can be mistaken for someone just out of her teens. But make no bones about it, Fayanne is a veteran when it comes to volunteering, having been in six similar engagements in the past. My point being that serving or giving has nothing to do with age. It has everything to do with LOVE.
In the same token, gratitude should be given to those who, through their own selfless capacities, have made the 3rd UCSD medical and humanitarian mission another tough act to follow. From the drivers who helped transport people and supplies to the mission sites, the church workers who prepared the energizing and festive food for the team members, to those who looked after the safety of everyone during the mission. Simply saying “Thanks” or “Mabalos” won’t suffice for their valuable cooperation.
Bicolanos have a more apt way of expressing gratitude. We say “Diyos Mabalos.” It translates to “God will Repay,” and this goes to everyone who contributed, in big or small ways, to The 2024 Gift of Love Medical and Humanitarian Mission.
Salt & Pepper 