Northwest USA Chapter's Palawan Medical and Dental Mission

(photos and article courtesy of Cosme Santiago UPLB67B)

In 2002, Beta Sigma Northwest was founded in Seattle/Tacoma, Washington and has spread throughout the State in various cities. Its alumni brothers are of different professions, trades and careers.

Since 2006, the Fraternity's 25 civic minded brothers led by its ranks of medical practitioners conduct various medical missions in the Philippines. In cooperation with the Ilocos Norte Beta Sigma Assembly, first one was done at Laoag City Amphiteatre on October 14-15, 2006, followed by another two day dental and medical services at 2 campuses of Isabela State University on December1(Cauayan), and on Dec 2,2007 at the main Echague campus of the University.

In its recent 3rd Medical Mission, Northwest had another successful, memorable and enjoyable noble endeavour at Puerto, Princesa, Palawan, " melting pot of 87 various cultures and races." Dubbed as "City within a Forest," we served 2,563 indigent patients out of approximately 300,000 population in about 50,000 households.

In addition to medical and dental plus general check ups, the 38 volunteer Beta Sigmans, Sigma Betans, Ladies Corps from USA and Canada, and local medical personnel skilled in their own field, performed minor surgical procedures, such as circumcision, blood glucose determination, ob- gyne, and optha (distributed 200 free reading glasses).

Headed by Brod Dr. Rolly Mupas, FEUNRMF '58 of Seattle, and with 3 other surgeons including Brod Dr. Cesar Sinnaco, UERM '59, 95 minor surgeries were successfully performed, 250 patients had their tooth extracted for free, 200 residents had been tested for their blood sugar, and 5% were determined to have onset diabetes. The rest have various general check ups, were prescribed and given free medicines.

The two day Mission started on February 14 at the City's Mendoza Park,  preceded by Mangrove tree planting "Love Affair with Nature" Program of Puerto Princesa government. For early arrivals, (February 13), volunteers were treated by Mayor Edward Hagedorn with sumptous dinner at Legend Hotel followed by cultural dances and Powerpoint presentation about the province of Palawan

In a gesture of gratitude to the volunteers, and in addition to free food and accommodation, the City of Puerto Princesa, in cooperation with Department of Tourism, provided 2 days free tour of the scenic places including the famous underground rivers which flow directly to the seas, island hopping, crocodile farms, Iwahig Penal Colony and Palawan State University .

So far, over the past 3 years, the Beta Sigma Northwest Chapter has served over 6,000 indigent families in areas that are in need of medical/dental/surgical consultations. The Fraternity works each year to link up with local Betans and government officials in the Philippines so that every mission attains its goals and objectives of serving the needy and marginalized kababayans.

Cosme Santiago UPLB67B
GP Northwest Chapter
 

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