Doctors, flooding and helping hands

Yes, the good in people comes out in times of crisis, and this was demonstrated again and again when tropical storm Ondoy hit town. People from everywhere around the world have volunteered resources in cash and kind and time sorting out and collecting clothes and food to give relief to families hit by the rampaging waters.

My friendship with some members of the Upsilon Sigma Phi Fraternity has given me access to stories of misery as the waters destroyed homes and amenities — and, at the same time, stories of giving cheer and relief to Upsilon brothers. Rico Merioles, who lives in Northview 1, Filinvest 2, Quezon City, wrote on the Internet a touching letter, parts of which are as follows: “The flooding caused me so much. My house had 6 feet of water and my bodega and small plant had 10 feet, my bodega is about 200 meters from my house. It was a double whammy.”

But don’t worry, Brods, wrote Rico. “As I was going through that morning nightmare, Rudyard Kipling kept me company in my mind. I was braver and sane.”

 Rico has five kids, but only one was with him at the time. His wife was out accompanying their youngest to a get-together. His eldest son, Emile ’99, was also out with his wife. His grandson and maid were alone in their new house just across the street. He had his hands tied up every minute as the floodwaters were rushing. He shuffled from house to bodega to save some items but all in futility. With his bad back, he was able to lift the vault and bring it to the second floor. Most of the documents were retrieved with the water almost three feet already. The others, all dripping wet, were stacked on the uppermost cabinet. After that he just watched as the water was rising.

The evening ended with the family all together, safe and sound. Never mind three cars going under, and half of Rico’s business gone.

But Rico was not downhearted. It’s not the end of the world for him. He wrote, “I will rebuild from there, as Kipling said, ‘If you can make one heap; of all your winnings and risk it in one turn of pitch-and-toss. . .’

Rico’s experience, though not as tragic as the experiences of other families, kicked off an avalanche of responses from Upsilonian brothers. This reminds me of a story told by one of the brods — that the fellowship among Upsilonians is strong, that they will help brods in trouble and in need.

Tong Puno, Upsilon Sigma Phi Alumni Association president, wrote that he and Upsilon Chairman Eli Ilano have mobilized brods, and in a few hours after the deluge, there was consensus to unify their activities under Operation Mutual Aid in coordination with vice-president for special projects Ray Orozco, treasurer Butch Aguila, and others. Efforts were extended to help Philippine National Red Cross; PNRC head is Upsilonian Dick Gordon.

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 All 15 medical scholars of the First Gentleman’s Foundation Inc. (FGFI) of First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo have passed the physicians’ licensure examinations in 2008 and 2009. Ten of them are from the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital and five from the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM).

The new doctors have pledged to stay for two years in the Philippines and to be posted in the most underserved barrios.

The scholarship program was inspired by former Department of Health Secretary and former Senator Juan Flavier who told Mr. Arroyo, who had initiated the “Bagong Doktor Para Sa Bayan” project, that there are still 181 barrios without doctors. Since then, FGFI, in partnership with the Department of Health, UP-PGH and PLM, and recently West Visayas State University and Mindanao State University, has produced 35 full-fledged physicians. By 2010, the foundation will have 18l medical scholars along with 31 specialist doctors.

At a special luncheon held at the Heroes Hall in Malacañang Palace held in their honor, the doctors were asked what areas they would like to concentrate in. Nickson Austria of UP said he will focus on the treatment of TB “because of its prevalence.” Also of UP, Liza Marie Bejemino will focus on morality and morbidity programs, and Criston Manasan, on a primary health care system.

From PLM, Quennie Dyan Raagas said she will get involved n feeding programs, and Deborrah Liao, in maternal and child health care. Joey Sabularce, also of PLM, said he is no concerned about low physicians’ salaries in the barrios. “What is important is that the need for doctors in the barrios is met.”

Welcome, doctors, to the barrios!

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As relief goods and cash are pouring into evacuation centers, there is one thing that should be given lactating mothers — malunggay-laced food products, to supplement mother’s milk. PowerNut provides bottled M2 juice,  cookies, pan de sal, and pasta. Donors can order the products; call PowerNut at 4802079 and they will deliver.

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My e-mail address: dominimt2000@ yahoo.com