April 16, 2024
Volunteers recognized in Sultan Kudarat Medical Mission
By Ben Baquilod
Mounting a Tzu Chi medical mission requires the dedication of hundreds of hands working together. The success of Tzu Chi’s most recent medical mission in Sultan Kudarat held on April 4 to 6 was due to the selfless hearts of volunteers giving their time and resources to serve those in need.
During the fellowship luncheon organized by the Provincial Government of Sultan Kudarat, Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines received a special Plaque of Recognition awarded by the First Lady of Sultan Kudarat, Bai Sharina Ampatuan Mangudadatu, thanking the foundation for providing free medical services to their people.
“The commitment you have shown in providing high-quality healthcare services to those in need exemplifies the essence of humanitarianism and generosity,” said Provincial Administrator Jimmy Andang, speaking on behalf of Governor Datu Pax Ali Sangki Mangudadatu.
In a reciprocal gesture, Head of the Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA) Dr. Josefino Qua thanked the Provincial Government of Sultan Kudarat for their exceptional support during the three-day mission. “I am impressed by how they handled everything,” Dr. Qua said.
Sultan Kudarat Director for Health Affairs Dave Bella expressed warmest gratitude to the doctors and volunteers who shared their time and expertise with patients needing healthcare services. These volunteer doctors and medical practitioners from different fields—pediatricians, internists, surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, technicians, dentists, and an ophthalmologist—offered their professional services free of charge.
“They spent several days here without earning anything,” remarked D. Qua. “But honestly, we earn a lot here,” he continued. “We earn good merits and blessings from above.”
Also deserving of praise were Tzu Chi volunteers from Manila, Cebu, Davao, and Zamboanga, who worked in committees to provide support—from kitchen volunteers preparing healthy vegetarian food for all participants to the diligent members of livelihood, logistics, and transportation teams.
Violy Chua from livelihood team, who served food to doctors and volunteers five times a day, expressed gratitude for being able to help, and amazement at the hard work of doctors who tirelessly performed consultations and procedures throughout the day. “Our contribution is just a pinch of salt, compared to the dedication of our medical team, who give more than 100%,” Chua said.
The medical mission was also made possible with the generous support of the SOCCSKSARGEN Masonic Foundation, as well as the kind assistance of the South Cotabato and Tacurong chapters of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII).
The Provincial Government of Sultan Kudarat awards a Plaque of Recognition to Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines during a fellowship luncheon at the 262nd Tzu Chi Medical Mission. 【Photo by Jeaneal Dando】
An intermission number featuring an ethnic dance entertained guests at the fellowship luncheon. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Senior Tzu Chi volunteers at the Sultan Kudarat Medical Mission fellowship luncheon. 【Photo by Jeaneal Dando】
TIMA Head Dr. Josefino Qua and Tzu Chi senior volunteers pose for a photo with Sultan Kudarat First Lady, Bai Sharina Ampatuan Mangudadatu. 【Photo by Jeaneal Dando】
Volunteers and doctors from the Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA) pose for a group photo. 【Photo by Jeaneal Dando】
Volunteers and doctors from the Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA) pose for a group photo. 【Photo by Jeaneal Dando】
Volunteers and doctors from the Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA) pose for a group photo. 【Photo by Jeaneal Dando】
Volunteers and doctors from the Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA) pose for a group photo. 【Photo by Jeaneal Dando】
Tzu Chi Zamboanga volunteers pose for a group photo. 【Photo by Jeaneal Dando】
Head of TIMA Dr. Josefino Qua delivers a message during the fellowship luncheon. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】
Joven Chua of the SOCCSKSARGEN Masonic Foundation addresses the attendees in a message of gratitude. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】
An intermission number featuring an ethnic dance entertained guests at the fellowship luncheon. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Children performing an ethnic dance welcome Tzu Chi volunteers to the fellowship luncheon at the Sultan Kudarat Provincial Capitol. 【Photo by Jeaneal Dando】
Volunteers working at the Sultan Kudarat Provincial Gymnasium pose for a group photo.【Photo by Jeaneal Dando】
Tzu Chi volunteers pose for a group photo during a thanksgiving dinner on April 6.【Photo by Harold Alzaga】