Bohol Mission 2006
by Anita and Fred Ng

After months of paper work, temporary hospital privileges and Department of Health permit were obtained for the 2006 Bohol
Mission. However, a month before the scheduled mission, we
were told that our date conflicted with another mission group. It just happened that one of the volunteers of that group was apparently a relative of the incumbent mayor. It’s unfortunate that political influences and nepotism could easily change and complicate the noble objectives of mission work.

The unexpected cancellation of our Hospital venue meant no general
surgery nor ophthalmology for the 150 pre-screened patients. We were
shocked by the news. However, our disappointment was short-lived.
The flexibility, determination and enthusiasm of the CMM team made the 2006 mission the most productive ever, in terms of the number of people served.

During the 4-day mission in Maribojoc, Bohol, the Carolina Medical
Mission treated over 4,000 patients (children, adults and elderly). The
people of Maribojoc received the health care they desperately needed.
The number of patients seen was exhausting but very rewarding
We met and bonded with new volunteers whose affirming words and
deeds kept us energized. New recruit Pediatrician, Melissa de Guzman
of Nueva Ecija wrote “Thank you (once again) for making me a part
of this “family”. ….I’ve never been with a group quite like yours. The
dedication, generosity, selflessness and sincerity you have shown to
those you don’t even know truly humbles me. You have touched people’s lives and I am grateful I was given the chance to be a little bit like you. You didn’t only touch me but you have left a permanent mark in my life I believe it is a miracle in itself that people like you still exist. I haven’t really figured it out how I could be more like all of you, but I guess I have to start with ‘whatsoever you do to the least of my brother, you do unto me’.”

Rosemary and Art De Leon had a nostalgic reunion with their classmate
of 40 some years, Dr. Gloria Tirol. Dr. Tirol helped during the medical
mission and served as a guide and toured the beautiful Bohol resort with
some CMM volunteers.

In spite of being denied a hospital venue, the surgeons were able to
perform 70+ minor surgery in a make-shift operating room at the local
health center. Other surgeons helped the medical team.
At the conclusion of the mission, we distributed surplus medical supplies to some of our medical volunteers to help with their respective mission work.

After the joint medical mission to Maribojoc, Bohol (Central Visayas)
the rest of our three month-stay in the Philippines was divided between
travel and surgical mission to six other venues.

Although mission work is hard, the experience is priceless. Not only do
we provide our expertise to those in need but hope as well. We always
return home physically and spiritually refreshed.

During the four day mission, we served a total of 4240 Boholanos.

CMM JOINT MISSION STATISTICS
Maribojoc, Bohol
Jan. 21-26, 2006

Pedia	Family	Dental	Surgical	Total
1469	2273	428	70 minor	4240

January- March 2006 Surgical mission
(procedures included cholecystectomy. Hernia repair; harelip repair; thyroidectomy; hysterectomy, Caesarian section; breast mass; ovarian cyst, Baker’s cyst, etc.)

Jan. 21-26, 2006- Maribojoc, Bohol
4-day Medical, Dental and minor Surgical mission (no hospital venue available) : 4,240 patients

Feb. 3-5, 2006- Maramag, Bukidnon (UP Class ’62 Mission)
2-day joint medical/dental mission: 2,000+ patients
General Surgery: 75+ major cases

Feb. 25-26, 2006- Taguig, Metro-Manila
General Surgery: 21 major cases

March 2-4, 2006- Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro
General Surgery- 40 major cases Medical Mission (one day only):450 patients

March 8-9, 19, 2006- Perez District Hospital, Hagonoy, Bulacan General Surgery: 32 major cases

March 21, 2006- Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija

March 29, 2006- Tambobong, Dasul, Western Pangasinan
Medical- 524 patients Minor surgery- 15+ patients

Jan.-May 2006 Ophthalmology (cataract/IOL implant)
Chinese General Hospital- 92 patients (year-round, on-going CMM mission)