When medicines spells hope

A Large number of Filipinos from remote areas in Mindanao suffer from serious illnesses, which go largely untreated because of meager income and a poor health services. Recently, a medical mission to Malabang turned the tides.

A journey unfolds

The town of Malabang in Lanao del Sur lies on the western coast of Mindanao. Located 30 miles north of Cotabato, the town consist of 37 barangays and is the most populated municipality in the district."Among the common illnesses we have here," relates Hon. Mayor Anwar Balindong, " are respiratory tract infection, particularly pulmonary tuberculosis(TB); diarrhea; hypertension; heart-related diseases; intensive parasitism for children; and malnutrition." He adds that his town has been fighting these diseases for several years now.Through the efforts of coordintaion and inter-agency referrals, the public and local health care systems has thus far been able to attend to the needs of the sick but " the lack of medicines makes the task harder for us." relates the mayor.

Responding to the poor

Sir Edward Artis of Knightbridge Int'l, an international USA-based NGO, which has organized several medical missions in the most dangerous and depressed areas of Mindanao, recently donated bulks upon bulks of wide ranging medicines to the town of Malabang. The project headed by Lanao's Sultan Macapundeg de Rossi, enjoyed the support of US Embassy officials from Manila the Joint United States Military Assistance Group(JUSMAG). "The trip to Malabang via Zamboanga City was so tiring and tedious," shares Sultan de Rossi, "but when we saw the faces of the residents, we knew that it was worth our while. Traveling to a place where access to basic medical care is lacking for so many people puts our convictions into perspective. We want to help."

Grateful recipients

Young and old residents of Malabang were all enthusiastic on the day of the medical mission, the people were genuinely grateful for the medical supplies they were given. "This is the first time that we were given boxes of medical supplies," relates Dr. Jose Sison M.D. from the towns small hospital. "We know all of it will be put to good use; our health centers and clinics no longer have to worry about the medicines. "We have sampled the donated items and we know that they will be very useful-not only in our town, but also in the neighboring areas as well," he continues. "This is one occasion where the goodness of the human spirit becomes evident. We thank our donors and our benefactors. Our people will always look back to this day with a sense of deep gratitude.

Little heroes

It is true that heroism is in every Man. The Malabang Medical Mission testifies to the greatness and sacrifices of may individuals who helped make the operation a resounding success. Says Sultan de Rossi in an exclusive interview with the MANILA TIMES, "The mission would not have been successful if it were not for the joint efforts of people who bestowed their unselfish support.

Wassallam

The Mayor concluded his thanks giving with one word: Wassallam. Roughly translated, this is the shorter version of the Muslim phrase "salallahu alayhi wassalam," meaning: "May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon you." Indeed, the medical mission has more than helped the people of Malabang. It also bridge the gap between Christians and Muslims in rural communities. More over, the mission brought hope to the Malabanguenos. "Our project does not consist of compounding pills and tablets and syrups," enthuses Sultan de Rossi. "It deals with the very process of sustaining life in places where health care is in dire need of support and assistance."