THE HEALERS OF THE SICK

(Photo caption: Serving the poor and the sick gives the medical volunteers a natural high. Photo by John Pagaduan.)

Spending two days with the volunteer workers of the Maharlika Charity Foundation who served in the 1st Bangsamoro Medical and Surgical Mission in Takepan, Pikit over the weekend, I was endlessly awed by the dedication of these tireless medical workers who served the poor and the needy.

Led by veteran surgeon Dr. Benedict P. Valdez, supported by opthalmologist Dr. Ed Soriano, Dr. Marinella Penera, Dr. Glicerio Sotea, my daughter Dr. Maria Krista A. Pinol-Solis and Dr. Ronaldo Pader and backed up by about 20 nurses and staff, the Maharlika Charity Foundation workers served almost 2,000 patients coming from the towns of Pikit, Montawal, Pagalungan, Matalam, Aleosan, Midsayap and Alamada.

“We had great fun and satisfaction serving the people,” said Dr. Valdez after the last patient was operated on Sunday afternoon.

On the way back to Davao City, the medical workers passed by M’lang and had a late Sunday lunch in the residence of the late former Vice Mayor Bernie Abasquez.

In barangay New Kalibo, the medical workers feasted on the sweet and red pomelos displayed along the highway.

They were obviously tired but I saw in their faces the joy of having been able to serve the poorest of the poor.