DR. Juan Montero, founder of Physicians for Peace Philippines (PFP), describes healing the sick as a ?continuing challenge,? especially in being able to put a smile on the faces of patients. The economic crisis happening all over the world doesn?t stop this good doctor and his team of volunteers in coming back from America once a year to the Philippines to give free surgeries, attach prosthesis to amputees, do cataract operations and give free dental care.

One instance that showed they are doing the right thing was when Dr. Ted Herbosa, PFP president, was paged during the medical mission at a Bicol hospital two weeks ago. A mother holding a child rushed to him and showed her child saying, ?Doc, salamat po. Maganda na ang anak ko.? In a cleft operation three years ago at the Partido de San Jose District Hospital in Camarines Sur, Dr. Herbosa operated on this child.

Last Feb. 4-8, the PFP, in cooperation with the Fil-American Physicians Association headed by Dr. Tony Abiog and the Far Eastern University doctors, held medical missions in Naga, Tigaon and Sangay. Dr. Montero, who is based in Norfolk, Virginia brought eight members of the dental team.

According to Lyne Abanilla, executive director of PFP Philippines, there were l68 minor surgeries and 38 major surgeries in Sangay. In Tigaon, Camarines Sur, there were 642 dental extractions, l00 dental prosthesis and seven prosthesis (artificial limbs) for amputees guided by Dr. Josephine Bundoc of the Philippine General Hospital Prosthesis Center.

Those who assisted were Jennifer Wong of San Francisco and technicians Winnie Belosillo, Eddie Jusman and Edgar Belosillo. There were 700 eye check-ups on adults and children who were given free eyeglasses.

Thanks to the Rotary Clubs of Dipolog and Dapitan for gathering both children and adults so they could benefit in the medical missions.

Dipolog and Dapitan

I caught up with the health care mission that took place in Dipolog and Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte, on Feb. 9-l2, through the kindness of Dalisay Empeynado Jao who billeted me at the Monina Pension along Sunset Boulevard. The PFP came upon the invitation of Congressman Romy Jalosjos who was informed by Vice Admiral Joselito Aseniero of the need to hold a medical mission in Dapitan. Zamboanga Gov. Rolando Yebes previously invited the PFP to render service at the newly built Zanorte Medical Center in Dipolog.

Drs. Montero, Arthur Platon, Zorba Bautista and Michelle Bautista did surgeries in both places. Opthalmologists Lyndon Ong and Rolando Silvoza did l2 cataract operations.

Seeing Clearly program

In partnership with Lions International, PFP implemented the Seeing Clearly Program when they did eye check-ups on both adults and children. It was symbolic that the check-up took place at the Museum building of the Rizal Shrine considering that Jose Rizal was an eye doctor. Dr. Chris Buniel and Dr. Amy Castro checked on the adults, while Dr. Gevi Tamparong took care of the children.

Dr. Chita Cunanan, chief of staff at Zanorte Medical Center, told me that the hospital is very grateful for the help of the volunteer doctors. Congresswoman Cely Jalosjos Carreon assured Dr. Montero that the Jose Rizal Memorial Hospital will be greatly improved by the time PFP visits in February, 20l0.

Zampen exhibit

The regional office of the Department of Tourism in Western Mindanao has been moved to Dapitan with John Eldridge Adraincem as regional director. Tourism officer-in-charge is Rodeolan Porlas, while Silvan Hamoy is supervising tourism operations officer.

Elena Abad, senior tourism officer, told me about the forthcoming ?Zamboanga Peninsula? (Zampen) exhibit at the Clamshell Pavilion in Intramuros on May 4-26. Destinations, arts, crafts, music and cuisine of the three provinces will be promoted, namely: Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay.

Also involved are Dapitan, Dipolog, Zamboanga City, Pagadian and Isabela. The rich cultures of Muslims, Subanens and Christians will be displayed in exhibit and dance.

Sunset boulevard

What attracts visitors to Dapitan is Sunset Boulevard which is facing the South China Sea. Along it are pension houses and restaurants like Kamayan, Erlinda?s and Kan-anan. With Maribel Sanico driving me, I was able to appreciate the peace and quiet of the place. The new Gloria Mall, a project of Mayor Jun Jalosjos, is a very attractive place with its restaurants and coffee shops like Circus Café.

Tenor Frankie Aseniero and mezzo soprano Lana J sang here for a fundraising concert last Valentine?s Day to raise funds for the special children of Dapitan Elementary School. The Rotary Club of Dapitan was the producer. Fashion designer Judith Pajaro showed her collection of gowns.

And, of course, there is the beautiful church of St. James the Apostle which was built in l87l. It was repaired and restored by the people of Dapitan themselves and dedicated on July 23, l967. St. James, whom they call ?Santiago de Matamoros,? sits on a horse at the left altar. Here, I knelt and thanked him for answered prayers.

Here in Manila, San Miguel Church near Malacañang marks its 23rd year as a national shrine today. All the seven Archangels in life-size forms are enthroned at the main altar.

Youth workshop

Fr. Richie Santos, SDB wants to invite young writers and artists to a hope workshop on Feb. 28, 9 a.m. to l2 noon at the Sycamore Office on the 3rd floor, St. John Bosco Parish Compound along Arnaiz Ave., Pasay City. Call 8l5-0084 or e-mail frichsdb@yahoo.com. Please bring articles or drawings.

Fr. Zenki Manabat is inviting readers to a Lenten recollection on Feb. 28 from l p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Maryhill School of Theology on E. Rodriguez Ave. corner Gilmore Ave., Quezon City.