Rosa Mystica Health Mission 2011 by Sheryl Ocampo

artners and Sponsors Our deepest gratitude to our dear partners and sponsors who made the Rosa Mystica Health Mission 2011 a success, through their unwavering support and extended generosity. Partners: 1. Society of Saint Piux X 2. Little Flower Foundation of Emmy Ortiz 3. Philippine Army Headquarters – Civil Military Operations Group (CMOG,PA) 4. National Children’s Hospital 5. Quirino Memorial Medical Center (Labor Hospital) 6. Quezon City Diagnostic Center 7. El Roi Laboratory 8. Pharmamed Inc 9. Barangay Mariana 10. Mariana Neighbourhood Association 11. Junior Chamber International—Twin star chapter Sponsors: 1. Pascual Laboratory 2. Universal Robina Corporation 3. United Laboratory 4. Lamoiyan Corporation 5. Merck Inc 6. Green Cross Inc 7. Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office 8. San Miguel Purefoods Inc 9. Uratex Foam thru Ms. Peachy Medina (CEO) 10. Solid Shipping The Catholic Association of Doctors, Nurses and Health Professionals in Asia(ACIM-Asia) ACIM Asia works under the Society of St.Pius X Mission www.acim-asia.com PHILIPPINE OFFICE ADDRESS: Manila Address 02 Cannon Road, New Manila, Quezon City Tel No. (2) 725 5926 Fax No. (2) 725 0725 General Santos City Address: 2400 De Dios St, Lagao 9500 Gen. Santos City Phone: 083 301 8824 Email: acim@acim-asia.com

HEAD OFFICE: Association Catholique des Infirmieres et des Medecins et des Professionel de Sante 18 Villa Rachaert 92390 Villeneuve-la Garenne, France SINGAPORE ADDRESS: 286 Upper Thomson Rd Singapore 574402 Tel: (65) 6459 0792/ 6459 3820 Fax: (65) 6459 3591

Rosa Mystica Health Mission 2011, now on its fifth year of mission in the spirit of charity and hope, came to Barangay Mariana, New Manila, Quezon City to serve the sick poor in the area and the neighbouring barangays Damayang Lagi, San Martin de Porres, Kaunlaran, Immaculate Conception, Horseshoe, Salapan and Ermitanio, and also far away UP4 Paranaque City. Rosa Mystica Health Mission follows the holistic approach. It is not limited to medical and dental care, thus it is named a health mission. Services availed by the patients for free were medical consultation, medicines, laboratory and diagnostic tests, dental extractions and ophthalmic tests. Nursing services included health teachings, home visits and referrals for continuity of care. A special feature of this year’s mission was the free haircut sponsored by the civic military operations program of the Philippine Army. Spiritual help was also available for the patients and volunteers when desired, in the form of catechism, blessings, scapular impositions, Sacraments of Confession and Extreme Unction, spiritual counselling and bioethics conference. By such means, Rosa Mystica Health Mission strived to deliver an authentic Catholic service enabling health professionals to provide professional health services to the poor and linking them with the sick poor in the bond of Christian charity.

rrival of Volunteers July 22—25, 2011 Capt. Randy Veracion, PA, welcomed ACIM President Dr. JeanPierre Dickes and company from their flight from France via Singapore, at around 3PM of July 22, 2011 in NAIA Terminal 3.

Kristoff Saurette, Caroline Vergez and Anne Claire Rousseau with troops of CMOG, Philippine Army, waiting in NAIA 1 Arrival Area for around 12 volunteers coming from France.

The Philippine Army bus transported the volunteers from the airport to the mission site. Other delegates coming from Ireland, USA, Canada, South Korea arrived later.

PRIEST: REV. FR. Daniel COUTURE REV. FR. Francois CASTEL REV. FR. Thomas ONODA REV. FR. Joseph PFEIFFER REV. FR. Timothy PFEIFFER REV. FR. Robert MACPHERSON REV. FR. Edgardo SUELO REV. FR. Valan RAJAKUMAR FOREIGN VOLUNTEERS: FRANCE: BASTIDE, Alexandre BIZIEN, Claire BURGUBURU, Magali COULANGE, Brigitte CHARETTE, Blandine de DICHARD, Danielle DICHARD, Gilbert DICKES, Bernadette DICKES, Jean-Pierre GROUHEL, Delphine PROT, Jacynthe REMY, Bertrand-Marie REMY, Eugenie ROUSSEAU, Anne Claire VENCAY, Jeanne De VERGEZ, Caroline SOUTH KOREA: KIM, Eun Mi CHOI, Brigitt Jiwon LEE, Esther LEE, Yang Hee KIM, Jin-Kyung SOHN, Eujine USA PHALEN, Elizabeth SAURETTE, Kristoff IRELAND: DENNEHY, Sinead MALAYSIA: KHOR, Melinda BELGIUM: LAMBRECHTS, Wivine SWITZERLAND: PLATTNER, Carmen CANADA: STANNUS, Thomas SINGAPORE: YZELMAN,Karyn Anne OLVC Family: SR. Maria Josepha MORALES SR. Maria Rosario PASTELERO Kay FLOR Rose CAMINADE Psyche KWAN WONG Bro. Matthias SABERON Bro. Isidore Apostles of Mary Legion of Mary Knights of Our Lady

LOCAL VOLUNTEERS: Dra. Ma June VIRAY Dr. Lee VERSOZA Dra. Mia VERSOZA Dr. Elaine ARANETA Dra. Emely LAGARE Dra. Nelda NISPEROS Dr. Romeo TEVES Dr. Anthony Dexter Griño Dr. Ma. Francia BINALINGBING Dr. Susie CASAS Dr. Nadine Stephanie S. MORE AGUINALDO, Jerwin AGUSTILO, Maricar ARADA, Aurora ALABA, Teofila ALAGOS, Monica I ALBA, Aiza ALEJADO, Ailea Kathleen BALMES, Carlo CASTOR, Wilma Sheryll S CASTOR, Mary Helen CEDULLO, Aldrian F. COLINA, Carlito COMPOC, Nelson DE GUZMAN, Marife DIZON, Theodore DURAN, Samuel DURAN, Victoria ESCANO, Maritess FISHER, Armand Douglas FUENTES, Mary Jane GHELA, Anthony Cedric HERMOSURA, Ann Marie Daphne HERMOSURA, Charleson HIZON, Marichu JAYME, Jade LIBORO, Jade LICUP, Fely MARAVILLA, Honeybee MARTIN, Edwin RN MENDOZA, Mary Ann PENA, Renel POSADAS, Angie PRINCIPE, Andrew RN QUIAMBAO, Kevin RUFINO, Feliza SEDILLA, Josie SIMON, Theodore RN SIMON, Babes SOLA, Jules SUAREZ, Mary Grace RN TALABOC, Cherry RN TRAYVILLA, Princess Twyla TEVES, Princess YAGAN, JR, Bonifacio

ist of Volunteers Philipine Army Officers: Col Felimon T Santos Jr FA (GSC) PA Maj George M Bergonia (INF) PA Maj Arnel B Cabugon (INF) PA Cpt Randy S Veracion (INF) PA Cpt Ronnie C Sta. Catalina (FA) PA 1Lt Lemuel D Bacarro (INF) PA 1Lt Jaime C Serna Jr (INF) PA 2Lt Claire Ann V Dolino (INF) PA FBGH Dr Nadine Stephanie S More Dr Eunice Athena A Manuel Dr Angelyn Grace I Mabao Dr Flordeliza Mae D Commendador Dr Ma Bernadette C Malabanan Dr Justine Karlo B Chavez Dr Brenda C Luz Dr Jardine S Lua Dr Brian Kenneth K Dela Cruz Dr Jan-Chrysnel V Monreal Dr Elmer C Gabutan Dr Irma A Dris Dr. Famador Genaldo 1301st Dental Dispensary Maj Mona M Espares DS (PA) Maj Benhur A Cariño DS (PA) 1Lt Liverty Grace T Montalban DS (PA) MSg Roberto T San Francisco (DS) PA Dr Susie A Casas Dr Maria Clarita M Palma Dr Ann Sharon C Braga Dr Ma Arlene E Galon Dr Annalyn M Florneas Dr Blanca B Bien Dr Ma Cecilia DG Bartolome Dr Rosemarie C Brosoto Dr Liza A Alejan Dr Catherine P Rios Dr Jeaneth B Ruiz Dr Maria Virginia B Nipa Dr. Charito D Sinogba Brgy. Mariana Health workers Nenita CADAG Julieta ELLAGA Linda LUZANA Nenita CALDERON STAFF: GAMUTAN, Yolly Eileen A., RN OCAMPO, Sheryl A., RN DAGATAN, Judith B. NAVALES, Ma. Caridad D. SALAZAR, Elaine C. LUTO, Miguela C.

ission set up and Orientation

ission Highlights Jerome* came on the first day of the mission with non-healing wound. He was sent to the laboratory for diagnostic tests, which later revealed an HIV infection. He was in the mission everyday for wound dressing and monitoring. Counseling regarding his diagnosis was given to him by his doctor and nurse assistant. He learned what to expect from his condition. On learning of his condition, his mother’s tears came dropping down her cheeks as she tried to accept her son’s fate, knowing that cure for her son was beyond reach. On the last day of the mission, which was also his birthday, as his wounds were being dressed, he began to drift away from consciousness. He received Extreme Unction. He was sent to the hospital, where he eventually went into a coma, and passed away 3 days after.

July 24, 2011

Bro. Matthias and Mrs. Alaba count every item of medicines, supplies, food as all mission materials go through an inventory before being set up in the mission area.

Volunteers loaded the boxes of supplies into the closed van provided by the Philippine Army going to the mission area.

The mother came back to the mission with much gratitude for the services given to her son. They had felt so special and favoured among others at the mission. This time, she asked if a priest could bless Jerome’s corpse. Jerome was buried on August 14. May he rest in peace.

ast 2010, a week after the Rosa Mystica health mission, a man was seen at the church gate. He was shivering with fever. He was bitten by a rabid dog. He was sent to a hospital for anti-rabies shots. This year, he came back to the mission with exudative lesion in his hand. His biopsy result revealed leprosy. His neighbours were driving him away for fear of contagion.

He was brought to the leprosarium for 11 months’ confinement and treatment. The mission gave him a pillow, a bag of food items and a little cash for his needs at the hospital. He was calm and hopeful, having gone to Confession after a 10-year lapse and having received a special blessing from the priest before admission to the leprosarium. Together with the mission staff, he looks forward to a better future.

Rev. Fr. Daniel Couture, the District Superior of SSPX Asia and Mission Director gives briefing and welcomes the volunteers, partners and sponsors the day before the mission.

ay 1 July 25, 2011 As the first day of mission opened, the typhoon also started. The crowd of patients expected to push their way to the mission site was reduced to a slow trickle.

The 6 by 6 military truck, courtesy of the Philippine Army, transports patients straight from Paranaque to Quezon City

There were two Barangays scheduled to be served. First was the depressed community in UP4, Paranaque City, where a group of indigent families lived behind a factory, an hour away from the mission venue. The second one was Barangay Mariana for the sick residents in the vicinity of the mission. There were 8 medical adult doctors (2 French, 1 American, 5 Filipinos -3 of which were from Philippine Army); 3 medical pediatric doctors (1 Korean and 2 Filipino); and 4 Dentist (4 Filipino—3 of which are from Philippine Army).

Delphine, a French nurse, dresses a non-healing wound from Day 1 until the last day of the mission

Five barbers from the military team were available to give haircut for men and women today and for the rest of the mission days. There were 320 of patients served this day: 163 for medical pediatric, 126 for medical adult and 31 for dental.

Rev.Fr. Castel from France and Thomas Stannus from Canada avail of the free hair cut by the Philippine soldiers.

The expected quantity of the patients for this day have not been met. The operation closed earlier than planned. However, quantity was not the goal; rather, the quality of care given to the patients—temporal, medical, and spiritual.

Holistic Care For Body and Spirit A bioethics conference was held at the close of the mission to address the psychosocial and spiritual dilemmas of the sick. To inspire the patients in their daily struggle to survive and to encourage the mission volunteers to continue in the work of mercy, Fr. Timothy Pfeiffer gave a lecture on “The Catholic Layman’s Guide in Assisting Large Families with Below-Poverty-Line Income”. A representative of Cong. Manny Pacquiao delivered a message on “Surviving Poverty” by honest labor and perseverance. Cong. Roilo Golez explained the “Demographic, Scientific, Social and Legal Reasons Why RH Bill Should Be Rejected” in the pursuit of public health and national development, and presented more promising means to achieve national progress. On the spiritual plane, Rev. Fr. Joseph Pfeiffer presented the negative impact of internet and online social networking in every person’s moral character in his lecture “Internet and Spiritual Combat”, elaborating the fact that mental focus is a prerequisite to the formation of a firm will, and that internet is the ultimate tool of distraction and ultimately, weakening of a person’s will. On his part, Hon. Lito Atienza, the former mayor of Manila elaborated on the necessity of “Political Will in the Execution of Moral Principles for Public Order”. Mr. Willy Arcilla of Business Mentors, Inc. awakened the audience to the urgency of “A Moral Crusade Beyond the RH Bill”, reminding all participants that a moral rebirth is the best solution to the national problem of poverty, to do away with vices and corruption that directly lead to poverty. The bioethics conference was held in the mission venue on July 30. It was a whole day affair. Prizes were given to winners of surprise games. Millions of thanks to the speakers for their enthusiasm and good spirits, to the sponsors, volunteers and participants. Thanks to URC (Presto Creams, Hello Wafers), to Purefoods, Inc. (Ulam King and Chocolait drinks), Mariana Neighborhood Association, and Brgy. Capt. Lorza of Barangay Mariana. Maraming salamat po!

ioethics Day July 30, 2011

The health mission formally ends with a bioethics conference to address moral concerns related to healthcare.

ACIM President Dr.Dickes with guest speaker Willy Arcilla (center) discussing recent Prolife concerns.

Ex Mayor Lito Atienza gives a talk about political will.

ay 5

ay 2 July 26, 2011

July 29, 2011 As the mission came to an end, more patients flocked in. It was more sunny today than the previous four days, which could have been a factor for the massive inflow of patients. This last day was normally designated for patients needing follow up care, or those needing further evaluation after laboratory tests, yet there were excited walk-in patients who were received.

Rev. Fr. Daniel Couture re-opens the mission gate for the patients who arrive when everything is about to end.

Late in the afternoon, when registration was already closed, two jeeps came in, filled with patients coming from a distant neighborhood that was ravaged by fire. Despite their late arrival, Rev. Fr. Couture opened the registration area and welcomed them to the mission. There were 8 medical adult doctors (2 French, 1 American, 5 Filipino-3 of which are from Philippine Army); 3 medical pediatric doctors (1 Korean and 2 Filipino); and 4 Dentist (4 Filipino—3 of which are from Philippine Army).

Sinnead, a nurse from Ireland, assisting ACIM Asia’s president Dra. Ma.June Viray, with a French pharmacy support team.

There were 712 patients served today. 252 for medical adult, 384 for medical pediatric and 76 for dental patients. After the physically exhausting five days, the mission ended with much joys and graces for volunteers, patients, partners and sponsors. A thanksgiving dinner was offered for volunteers and partners during the night. The famous Rondalla on Wheels gave a lively performance and showcased one beautiful fruit of Catholic missions to the sick.

The crowd at the extended last hour on the last mission day .

Deo gratias!

Due to the heavy rain brought about by the storm “Juaning”, patients who were assigned to be served today from Barangay Damayang Lagi, had difficulty going to the mission site. They feared that the flood will wash away their houses. A military truck and some volunteers went to visit the area and fetched patients who still wanted to come to the mission area. There were 8 medical adult doctors (2 French, 1 American, 5 Filipino-3 of which are from Philippine Army); 3 medical pediatric doctors (1 Korean and 2 Filipino); 4 Dentist (4 Filipino—3 of which are from Philippine Army); and 1 ophthalmologist (Filipino).

The Registration Area , where patients line up for their baseline data, vital signs, and medical history.

There were 327 patients served today: 132 medical adult; 110 medical pediatric; 28 ophthalmic and 57 dental. Despite the weather hindrance, there were more patients today, as some patients from the previous day returned for diagnostic and laboratory tests and for dressing. Patients were sent to the laboratory to confirm their conditions which varied from simple bronchitis to serious cases like AIDS.

Army volunteers receive the brown scapular from the mission director, Rev. Fr. Daniel Couture.

Second day mission flow was smoother than the first day as the volunteers had become adjusted to their specific stations. Remembering the great flood of 2009, patients for Mission Day 2 are afraid to leave their homes for fear that the water would rise and carry away their belongings.

ay 4 July 28, 2011

ay 3 July 27, 2011 The target recipients for this day were residents from Barangay San Martin de Porres, who had been anticipating the said mission as early as March this year. Word of mouth “advertisement” brought in patients from other barangays.

Dr.Eun Mi Kim from South Korea is one of the three pediatricians who serve countless pedia patients everyday.

Military dentists with Filipina and Korean assistants in action.

The pack came in by truckloads with the help of the Philippine Army’s 6 by 6 military truck in an hourly interval. Unlike the first day, the military team did not have to wait for patients to assemble. The patients from San Martin were enthusiastic and prompt. There were 7 medical adult doctors (2 French, 1 American, 4 Filipino-3 of which are from Philippine Army); 3 medical pediatric doctors (1 Korean and 2 Filipino); and 4 Dentist (4 Filipino— 3 of which are from Philippine Army). The barbers also gained popularity among the patients. Most patients availed of this special feature of their civil military operations . There were 455 patients served today: 180 medical pediatric, 201 medical adult, and 74 dental.

Dr. Elizabeth Phalen and her nurse assistant serve the earliest patient of the day.

There were three barangays slated for this day, namely Kaunlaran, Conception and Horseshoe, all within Quezon City. More patients from the previous days came for follow up care and for laboratory results and further evaluation and treatment. There were 7 medical adult doctors (2 French, 1 American, 4 Filipino-3 of which are from Philippine Army); 3 medical pediatric doctors (1 Korean and 2 Filipino); 1 ophthalmologist, and 4 Dentist (4 Filipino—3 of which are from Philippine Army).

Dr.Dickes and Dr.Dichart, both from France, work hand in hand to serve the adult medical patients.

There were 514 patients served today: 184 medical adult; 170 medical pediatric; 88 ophthalmic and 72 dental. The patients were more eager for the services. Most of them arrived before the mission gate opened, hoping they would be accommodated. Only this year has Rosa Health Mission served the metropolitan poor and it is notable that, notwithstanding the proximity of healthcare facilities, access to health care is still difficult for the urban poor. Diagnostic tests were outside their reach. And the mission was a wonderful gift to them.

Pharmacy and dispensary team work with utmost concentration to give the medicines, double-checking before releasing..

Dra. Araneta, an ophthalmologist, sees through the eyes, but renders services more than what the eyes can see.