The Gawad Kalinga (GK) Medical Mission was held at the Holy Family GK Village (HFGKV) in Milibili, Roxas City last

Gawad Kalinga Medical Mission in Capiz

February 14, 2009. It was supported by the Capiz Provincial Government. The medical mission’s purpose was to look out and take good care of all Capizeños for a better health.

Governor Victor A. Tanco, Sr.

It started with an invocation led by Mr. Rito Victoriano, the GK Management Board (GKMB) – Values Formation Head and a welcome message from Mr. Roy Donato, the Couples for Christ (CFC) Provincial Area Director. Mr. Mert Rosano, the GK Provincial Coordinator, reported updates about the HFGKV. He said that the last medical mission was held in 1996. Governor Victor A. Tanco, Sr. and Mayor Vicente B. Bermejo were also present. Mrs. Judy A. Roxas came in behalf of Senator Mar Roxas who donated 4 houses for the GK.

Mrs. Judy A. Roxas, mother of Senator Mar Roxas

GK Medical Mission

The participants were the GK Caretaker team, the Capiz Visitors and Convention Bureau (CVCB) and 16 Swiss nationals of the Seebach Jubla - a youth association based in Switzerland. They wanted to see for themselves the 46 houses that they have donated. There were 4 houses left for them to paint. Mr. Alex Gonzales, a deacon of Ma. Lourdes Parish in Zurich, Switzerland, facilitated donations from them.

the Seebach Jubla with the GK Caretaker team

Free medical check-up was conducted among 515 patients of all ages by Dr. Ramon Nolasco, Dr. Hector Flores, Dr. Jonacel Arceño and Dr. Donalyn Bonites. Food was distributed to the volunteers and medicine for the patients. The volunteers came from different sectors of the community. GK t-shirts were sold for P100 to support the organization.

Seebach Jubla

The medical mission lasted the whole morning and was a success even it was raining. Milibili was located outside Roxas City and it was an unforgettable experience especially for the 16 Swiss nationals. Only a few of them knows how to speak in English but they enjoyed painting the houses.

Myself with the Swiss nationals of the Seebach Jubla

The best part was that the poor have received health benefits during Valentines Day. There were a total of 60 houses built and through the Gawad Kalinga, the poor have felt love that will motivate them to live with integrity.

Author - Sheilla May O. Baes