Dolefil’s Surgical Mission 2013

Just recently, I have been lucky to be invited along with the Sox Bloggers to experience first-hand Dolefil’s Surgical Mission 2013. I have been in Polomolok for more than a decade now. I know for a fact that there are a number of impoverished communities  in the municipality, so the Surgical Mission is a welcome relief to the people of Polomolok and other communities in and around region 12.

A total of seventeen premiere surgeons from the Philippine Medical Society of Florida, USA along with some surgeons from the Philippine Medical Association in Manila all trooped to the Howard Hubbard Memorial Hospital to conduct free surgery for identified patients around Region 12. The mission is ongoing from Jan 13 – 18 where an approximate number of more than 100 patients with facial deformities, hare lip,  goiter, patients needing palatoplasty and thyroidectomy among others will be undergoing surgery in the very capable hands of these volunteer surgeons.

During my visit, I had the privilege to talk to one of the attending surgeons – Dr. Osualdo Centorini. He has been involved with the missions for a number of years now and he expressed the fulfilment he feels knowing that he has been instrumental in changing the lives of the beneficiaries surgical missions such as this. For him, going on these missions is like “…an addiction”. He has been engaged in a number of missions around the country such as Iloilo and Pangasinan and in a number of places in Africa and Central America. Truly, Dr. Centorini and the others in his team have contributed a great deal in making the lives of these better through their selfless love and service in the practice of Medicine. Our profound thanks to doctors like you for giving your time and resources for the benefit of all these people who cannot in anyway repay the kindness you have extended to them.

Just watching the look of the people there, I feel proud that Dole in its effort to touch the lives of more Filipinos, are bringing these doctors here for the benefit of our indigent communities.

As Dole Philippines celebrates its golden year this 2013, may I extend my heartfelt gratitude in behalf of the people in Polomolok for worthwhile projects such as this that change the lives of the impoverished people in our community. May you continue to touch the lives of countless others. Congratulations for celebrating 50 wonderful years in Polomolok, South Cotabato. Our future continues to be brighter because of your presence in our community! God bless Dolefil!