August 6, 2024
1,313 patients served at Tzu Chi’s medical mission in Navotas
By Joy Rojas
When Leo Gabat-bat learned that Tzu Chi Foundation was organizing its 269th medical mission at his community of Navotas on August 4, the 65-year-old stroke survivor was determined to make it to the event at all costs. With no one to take him, he used his feet to slowly inch his way on his wheelchair from his home in Bangkulasi to the San Lorenzo Ruiz and Companion Martyrs Parish in Kaunlaran Village.
Gabat-bat, who used to work as a tricycle driver and construction worker, is paralyzed on his right side. As such, he is unable to work and thus maintain his medications for hypertension and diabetes, much less put food on the table.
“But I don’t lose hope because I’m still alive,” says one of the early birds of the medical mission who was treated with kindness and compassion by volunteers as soon as he arrived. “Thank you to everyone who helped me—from those who carried me in my wheelchair to the consultation area to those who gave me free medicines. I’m very grateful to all.”
Situated in the grounds of the church compound, Tzu Chi’s latest medical mission saw the participation of 13 general medicine practitioners, nine pediatricians, nine dentists, three hygienists, and seven ophthalmologists, all volunteers of the Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA). These volunteer doctors attended to 1,313 patients—374 in general medicine, 242 in pediatrics, 203 dental medicine and 494 in ophthalmology.
The community took advantage of the free quality services. Bernadette Guevara tolerated the discomfort of two tooth extractions, as having them pulled by a commercial dentist would have set her back by at least P3,000. “When your tooth aches, you get a headache too,” she says. “It’s also very painful when the weather is cold. So thank you very much. It's a big help.”
Others availed of more than one consult. Aiza dela Vega brought her 6-year-old son Mark Joseph Gutual to one of TIMA’s pediatricians to have an eye infection checked. Medicine was prescribed as well as a referral to an ophthalmologist just steps away from the pedia section. Dela Vega took Mark Joseph there and decided to go for an eye checkup herself.
“We experienced fire in our place twice, and each time Tzu Chi was there,” says the wife of a security guard. “The relief they give—pots, pans, blankets, floor mat, mosquito net—are helpful to us who have lost everything. That’s why I tell my neighbors to line up when Tzu Chi has a medical mission. The wait is worth it.”
The relationship between Tzu Chi Philippines and Navotas dates back to the time Fr. Larry Singian, O.P., was parish priest of San Lorenzo Ruiz and Companion Martyrs Parish from 2011 to 2019. Through his friendship with volunteers, his requests for assistance have not gone unheard. Through the years, Tzu Chi has mounted medical and dental missions, donated dental chairs, and distributed relief following disasters.
“Tzu Chi volunteers always remember us, they never forget that there are so many poor people here,” says Fr. Larry Singian, parish priest of San Lorenzo Ruiz and Companion Martyrs Parish from 2011 to 2019.
TIMA co-founding member Dr. Josefino “Jo” Qua, who organized Tzu Chi’s earliest medical missions in the mid ‘90s, as well as its recent ones in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, and Palo, Leyte, sees the importance of these events. “Especially in the provinces where they don’t have the facilities or finances. A medical mission is the only time poor patients who can’t afford to see a doctor can go. These are patients who will walk for hours or even a day just so they can be seen by doctors.”
Healthcare professionals see the value in them too. Thirty years ago, committing to a three-day outreach program, especially one held out of town, meant five days away from the clinic.
“But later on, they realized that even if they join the medical mission, they come back to find more and more patients in their clinics,” says Dr. Qua. “Now that we’re organizing these big medical missions again and I announce that we need 12 volunteer doctors, within 24 hours, the 12 slots are all filled up. They’re so enthusiastic to join, they feel that being a doctor is a chance to [give back] and help the needy.”
This willingness to extend assistance without expectation is palpable. “You could see that you're helping out of goodwill and love for people, especially for those who are poor and disadvantaged,” says Fr. Singian. “You will be blessed a lot in terms of finding joy and happiness in this kind of ministry. I think that's what you are experiencing. That's what keeps you going.”
Tzu Chi volunteers set up canopy tents on the grounds of San Lorenzo Ruiz and Companion Martyrs Parish for its 269th medical mission in Navotas on August 4.
Tzu Chi volunteers set up canopy tents on the grounds of San Lorenzo Ruiz and Companion Martyrs Parish for its 269th medical mission in Navotas on August 4.
Tzu Chi volunteers assist a patient who had difficulty walking.
A Person With Disability is guided into the medical mission waiting area by a Tzu Chi volunteer.
“Tzu Chi volunteers always remember us, they never forget that there are so many poor people here,” says Fr. Larry Singian, parish priest of San Lorenzo Ruiz and Companion Martyrs Parish from 2011 to 2019.
Leo Gabat-bat used his feet to slowly inch his way on his wheelchair from his home in Bangkulasi to the San Lorenzo Ruiz and Companion Martyrs Parish in Kaunlaran Village. The 65-year-old stroke survivor is paralyzed on his right side. Unemployed, he cannot maintain medication for his hypertension and diabetes, much less put food on the table.
At the general medicine area, Dr. Tommy Yau checks stroke survivor Leo Gabat-bat. The TIMA doctor prescribed medication for his hypertension and diabetes. “Thank you to everyone who helped me—from those who carried me in my wheelchair to the consultation area to those who gave me free medicines. I’m very grateful to all,” says Gabat-bat.
A volunteer assists a patient in a visual acuity test.
Dr. Fiona Perez advises a mother on her baby’s condition.
Father Allan Lopez (fourth from left), parish priest of San Lorenzo Ruiz and Companion Martyrs Parish, poses for a photo with Dr. Cheung Lai Chun (second from left), Tzu Chi Hualien’s Dr. Lee (fifth from left), Tzu Chi University medical students, and other Tzu Chi volunteers.
Dr. Rosa Fruto turns a rubber glove into an animal balloon to calm a young patient after a dental procedure.
Volunteer dentists carefully examine the teeth of a child patient.
A volunteer pediatrician as she performs an initial examination to a patient.
Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA) co-founding member Dr. Josefino “Jo” Qua (right) checks on the prescribed medicines prepared by medical student volunteer Vince Enrico Canda Vitug.
A Tzu Chi University medical student gets the vital signs of a patient.
Dr. Rose Go (second from left) shares a light moment with Tzu Chi University medical students.
Dr. Tem de los Santos prepares a prescription for Mark Joseph Gutual (center), son of Aiza dela Vega (right).
Bernadette Guevara has her blood pressure taken before undergoing two tooth extractions.
While patients wait for their turn at the dental area, volunteer doctors present a short lecture on oral health.
Tzu Chi volunteers prepare bread and porridge for patients and volunteers.
Tzu Chi volunteers prepare bread and porridge for patients and volunteers.
Another Tzu Chi medical mission in the books! Tzu Chi volunteers, Tzu Chi University medical students, and others take a group shot outside the San Lorenzo Ruiz and Companion Martyrs Parish in Navotas.