MISSION OF HOPE (Pag-asa)
TO PEOPLE OF SAN NARCISO
by Aida Fanugao
God showered His blessings to the people of San Narciso, Zambales and its neighboring towns during the CMM/SN
2008. San Narciso was indeed lucky to be in good hands and “may pag asa” (with hope).
On behalf of all the beneficiaries of the 2008 CMM/San Narciso, we offer our utmost respect, heartfelt gratitude and
earnest prayers for the PAANC/CMM volunteers, coordinators and their families. As Anita Ng said, “The CMM serves as instrument of God-thru physical healing and spiritual uplifting”. And I say, “and more”.
Dr. Rosemary de Leon laughingly recalled a patient, when asked about her medical problem, answered, “I have no
problem. I just wanted to come to see you, hear you and talk to you. Seeing you is uplifting enough, a great feeling.
You give us hope and a great sense of well-being. Thank you all very much!”
CMM Volunteer nurses Fely Farrales and Rusty Aujero, who served with the San Marcelino surgical team, shared not only their medical expertise but also taught the local nurses about efficiency, patient/nurse relationship, proper communication, assertiveness and more.
The mission tapped, touched and moved so many. Kim Fontillas from Nevada took notice of the CMM 2008 thru the website. She answered the call and even invited Stanley Richard Archer, Guadalupe Wong and Elizabeth Grocox
to volunteer. She was also searching her roots and met the Fontillas family of San Narciso for the first time. She
and her friends are hooked and promised to join CMM next year.
Dr. Edna Fontillas and Roland Fontillas were the Philippine-San Narciso coordinators who worked for 18 months with
Anita Ng and Emma Dempsey. They truly delivered in the most hospitable way. Jessie Farrales introduced San Narciso to CMM. His cousins Roy (and wife Dr. Lydia Espino from Illinois) and Rosemary (wife of Art de Leon, MD) joined and met some relatives in San Narciso. The CMM was like a family reunion.
I came full circle with Dr. Raymond Belmonte (and wife, Dr. Resa Belmonte). It was a great delight to have met them. What a small world!!! His parents. Ramon Belmonte Jr. and Mom Ligaya were my fellow Baranggay Folkdance Troupe members in Manila in the early 60s. His grandmother Mrs. Paz Cielo “Mommy Bel” was the Director of the dance troupe. I kept tailing Dr. Belmonte calling him “Nonong“, his Dad’s nickname. They have the same stature and demeanor, warm and compassionate.
There were more priceless and endearing experiences with the CMM/SN 2008 family. All were so rewarding and
fulfilling that I felt truly and fully alive!
* Aida Fanugao is an educator from Virginia Beach, VA.
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