Rotary Club of Manila Medical Mission to Assist Typhoon Vinta Victims in Cagayan de Oro

Once again, our stalwart heroes of our RCM project “One Rotary, One Philippines, One for Marawi” braved the gauntlet of travel to the disaster-stricken south, this time putting on a medical and dental mission for victims of Typhoon Vinta in Cagayan de Oro. Flood waters from the swollen river were neck deep, causing much devastation and medical problems. They were able to serve almost 500 patients, collaborating with several organizations and government agencies, as well as dedicated individuals.

Joining RCMer’s Project Chairman DE Raffy Alunan, was Co-chair DE Jackie Rodriguez, Rtn. Tong Payumo (who donated 100,000 pesos cash to defray the trip costs and add to the project fund), Star Rotarian Juan Montel. We also received similar donations from Rtn. Joe de Venecia and Dir Bobby Joseph. Thank you.

Our partners in these missions include RI District 3870, which supplied fourteen nurses, and Our Lady of Peace Foundation (Dra Sister Eva) and Alejandro Clinic (Rtn. Sharon Reyes), who provided the team of doctors. The Department of Health provided a fully-equipped dental van and personnel, through Gov. Bambi Emano, who also provided a truck. The Department of Tourism helped with accommodations. Pharmaceuticals were provided free or at cost through the goodness of Rtn. Abe Pascual and Rtn. Juan Montel. The Department of Transportation provided a van and a truck (and drivers). The Office of Civil Defense provided a van and very helpful data. Past District Governor Lynne Abanilla (Physicians for Peace),Team Humanity and Zeta Phi Omega (a service fraternity and sorority from Zamboanga) provided extensive manpower and coordination support. We are very happy that DZRH provided media coverage, some of which was carried on its affiliates nationwide.

DE Raffy Alunan, Chairman of ONE ROTARY ONE PHILIPPINES ONE FOR MARAWI Project, met with the Board of the Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) led by Dr. Kenneth Hartigan-Go and which included PD/IPS Dr. Ning Lopez last January 17, 2018 at the PCP Office, One San Miguel Avenue Building, Mandaluyong City regarding a partnership with the ONE ROTARY ONE PHILIPPINES ONE FOR MARAWI Project aimed at providing humanitarian assistance to war and natural disaster victims.