900 years since the official recognition by Pope Paschal II (Last of 2 parts)

The Order of Malta in the Philippines

The Sovereign Military Order of Malta otherwise known as the Order of Malta Philippines, first came to the Philippines 65 years ago in 1948 as a delegation represented by the late Don Paulino Miranda de San Pedro. The Philippine Association was established when its by-laws were approved by the Grand Magistry of the Order of Malta in Rome on March 23, 1957.

During the early years, most of the Philippine Association’s activities revolved around leprosy and its active participation resulted in the establishment of the Tala Leprosarium in Caloocan, Metro Manila. The Philippine Association has updated and increased its programs and projects through the years in order to become more effective in addressing the needs of the poor and the sick. Hospital visitations to accredited sites, providing first aid and medical services and the referral of indigent patients to its hospital network in Metro Manila and adjacent municipalities are but some of the activities in the Philippine Association’s Hospitaller Program. With the assistance of the Embassy of the Order of Malta in the Philippines and Malteser International, the Order’s worldwide relief arm, donations from donor countries and private foundations, have been received by the Philippine Association. Through its Medical Assistance Program, thousands of less fortunate brothers and sisters have been served in the grassroots level with the support of AmeriCares Foundation. The ability to reach distant and far flung areas is made possible by the strength of the Order’s partnerships with like minded groups who help access the beneficiaries who are most in need. It is worthwhile to note that the Philippine Association is also undertaking a program for HIV and AIDS Awareness. Coordination and linkages with different support groups are established among government and non-government agencies, particularly the San Lazaro Hospital. Information Education, Communication (IEC) and Training materials have been developed to fully equip medical practitioners with the necessary knowledge and skills to participate in this program.

Disaster assistance

Since 2009, the Order of Malta Philippines has mobilized local resources and partners to engage in collaborative efforts to address the needs of those affected by the destructive typhoons that continuously hit the Philippines every year. Basic hygiene and sanitation kits, food supplement and medicine requirements for both children and adults are distributed during times of disasters. The assistance of Malteser International is limited not only to emergency aid but also extends to social services and development. In the province of Benguet for example, farmlands were rehabilitated after Typhoon Parma struck; water supply systems were built in areas that did not have access to water and sanitation facilities; mitigation for soil erosion and landslide prevention was undertaken and the integration of a community livelihood program was implemented.

In the island of Mindanao on the other hand, the Order of Malta Philippines partnered with Malteser International to undertake the first temporary core shelter project benefitting 500 displaced survivors in Iligan City. At present, the Order is building another 120 emergency core shelters in the province of Davao Oriental where the recent Typhoon Bopha struck and devastated thousands of hectares of farmlands and fruit plantations.

World Day of the Sick celebration

From its humble beginnings, the Knights and Dames of the Order of Malta continue to adhere to the motto “Tuitio Fidei et Obsequium Pauperum”. As an Order, the Philippine Association strives to keep their presence and relevance in this fast changing world. They preserve history and tradition in the Order’s ceremonies but are found at the forefront most especially in difficult times when humanitarian aid is needed.

Just recently held was the 21st World Day of the Sick which the Order of Malta has been organizing and celebrating with the Archdiocese of Manila. This year’s theme was “Go and Do Likewise,” exemplifying the Spirit of the Good Samaritan. We are reminded of Pope John Paul II’s words “a special time of prayer and sharing, of offering one’s suffering for the good of the Church and of reminding us to see in our sick brother and sister the face of Christ who, by suffering, dying and rising, achieved the salvation of humankind.” In this year’s celebration, thousands gathered at the Espiritu Santo Parish Church in Tayuman to join His Eminence Luis Antonio G. Tagle, DD, Archbishop of Manila, celebrate the Eucharistic Mass. In fraternal brotherhood, the Mass was not only attended by the sick but included all those who patiently care for the sick — hospital administrators, medical staff, healthcare workers and the truly remarkable volunteer corps.

Philippine delegation

Headed by the President His Excellency Don Ernesto B. Rufino Jr., the Order of Malta Philippines is represented in this momentous 900th year celebration of the Order of Malta in Rome. He was joined by the delegation of members: Her Excellency Ambassador Mercedes A. Tuason, Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to the Holy See and to the Order of Malta, Odelia G. Arroyo, Hospitaller, Delza V. Lazatin, Treasurer, Dr. Leopoldo H. Lazatin, Roberto R. Novenario, Josefina P. Rufino, Carolina Llanilo, Josephine E. Bantug and candidates Eric Nicolas, Viriginia Nicolas and Atty. Llewellyn Llanillo.

The office of the Order of Malta Philippines is currently located at 1120 R. Hidalgo Street, Quiapo, Manila, Philippines. Contact numbers:  632-7080859 and 632-7080860. E-mail address [email protected]. For more information about the Order, you may visit www.orderofmalta.int.