'The best medical mission in the world'
BACOLOD CITY -- The Aloha Medical Mission was considered as the Best Medical Mission in the world by Provincial Board Member Dr. Melvin Ybañez, chair of the Sanggunian Panlalawigan Committee on Health.
The Provincial Government thru Gov. Isidro P. Zayco hosted the Fellowship Night for the 35-men team of the Aloha Medical Mission and the St. Scholastica's Bacolod Alumnae Foundation, Inc. headed by Jean V. Trebol, SSBAFI Vice President, Executive Director and over-all coordinator of the medical mission.
The fellowship night was held at the Provincial Capitol Social Hall Friday night.
There were 207 minor surgeries and 111 major surgeries done by the Aloha Medical Mission at the Teresita L. Jalandoni Memorial Provincial Hospital in Silay City, Negros Occidental from Nov. 9-14, 2008.
Board Member Ybañez said, "It's a fact that most people in the countryside are still in poverty where they could hardly afford to buy even a simple medicine. But we are very glad that you all came and did a very exemplary job."
Board Member Enrique Miguel Lacson, Manapla Mayor Manolet Escalante and some provincial officials came to extend their sincerest gratitude to the Aloha Medical Mission and SSBAFI group.
Dr. Bradley Wong, Head of the Aloha Medical Mission said they will be back next year. He extended his appreciation to the SSBAFI where he considered them as the best team he ever worked, the medical staff and the Aloha Medical Mission volunteer doctors, nurses and staff.
Mrs. Trebol in response said, "To the Aloha Medical Mission, your name and your generosity will forever be etched in the minds and hearts of the patients you have helped. Thank you so much. May you never cease to touch, heal and make a difference to countless lives in our province."
She also thanked Gov. Zayco for his support to the Aloha Medical Mission and SSBAFI. "May your tribe with your brand of governance increase. Thank you for your invaluable support."
"To my fellow Scholasticans who have served the mission, I salute you for your selflessness, for getting out of your otherwise comfortable lives, for walking your faith.
To the doctors and staff of hospital, "my deepest gratitude for welcoming us in your hospital, for your cooperation and willingness to work with us and the mission and most of all for going an extra mile to help make the mission a success," Mrs. Trebol said.
"Coordinating a mission is no easy task. Neither is doing surgery for 10-12 hours daily for 5 days. We are all not just bone tired but emotionally drained as well. But at the end of the day, we should all be grateful that we have been blessed with the time, talent, treasures and opportunity to serve the least of God's people," she added.