Speaking about food, a local caterer informed us, that the population of baby pigs to be roasted (or made into lechon) was reduced to zero, the week of February 7 - 14, 2004. We know why!
IN THE PREPARATION of clinical operations schedule, we have a hard time assigning support personnel, since we have no idea, what their expertise or experience are regarding mission work. However, one of my lucky guess, is the assignment of Fausto De Vera in the crowd control area. Thank you very much Jun. Your are welcome to come again at our next mission. All my other assingments were just a hit and miss, but overall the scheduling assignment turned out OK. We have also a lot of local volunteers that help in non-medical work as well as in the pharmacy section. Thanks to the local pharmacy association and to all of Macrine's relatives and friends that helped during the clinical operations in the six towns.
Our impression from the clinical operations in the six towns:
Torrijos: Mayor Pizarro ignored us. The promise to pay our lunch by Anne Rosas did not materialized.
Sta. Cruz: The only town who gave MI, Certificate of Appreciation and a formal program after the mission. Thank you, Santa Cruz.
Buenavista: The municipality gave us merienda. The missioners were greeted with a live band. Annie Jalac-Miles gave us a sumptuous merienda.
Gasan: The town gave us a delicious lunch. Very organized town in terms of conducting medical mission work. Mayor Lim attended the dinner hosted by Imelda Luna Isidro. The mayor gave us little presents.
Mogpog: The town mayor gave us lunch. The covered court was hot in the afternoon. Merienda was donated by Mr. Mel Go to all the three towns.
Boac: Lots of patients. Crowd control was well managed. Local police helped with the crowd control. Our lunch was donated by Alan Nepomuceno.
As a conclusion, advanced work requires, a lot of time, patience and diplomacy. Our personal recommendation for the mission. We have to be selective with the support group participating. Advance confirmation of attendance (two weeks prior) is required as a courtesy to the advance person, who will arranged food and lodging and transportation, as well as contact all the medical and provincial officials regarding the mission activities. Again, thank you ALL, especially to our non-MI Missioners! |
