Times Newsweekly: Arts And Leisure

Dialysis Machines For The Philippines
Sent To Benefit Communities Without Access To Proper Medical Care

by Carol Pineda, PR officer, CDO-MO ANY and member, APODCAA
photos courtesy of Santi Sipin and Milvie Murray, APODCAA

The people of Misamis Oriental, Cagayan de Oro City, Bukidnon and neighboring Philippine towns are set to benefit from 24 units of fully-functioning CobeSentry3 hemodialysis machines donated by the Holy Cross Hospital in Maryland. The machines are destined for the Provincial Government of Misamis Oriental and the Provincial Health Office of Bukidnon, Philippines.

While the machines are reconditioned, they will still benefit many, especially communities in rural areas without access to proper and affordable medical care.

The project saw its successful completion through the combined efforts of the members of the Alpha Phi Omega (Phils.) District of Columbia Alumni Association (APODCAA), which was spearheaded by its president, Bro. Fedinand (Ding) Gomez, as well as Project Overall Coordinator Bro. Santi Sipin, along with the support of APO Greater New York Alumni Association (APOGNYAA) and the APO Alumni Council of North America (ACNA).

Dr. Eleanor Daquioag, who serves as the Director of the Nephrology Department of Holy Cross Hospital, and her husband Bro. Jun Cristobal, were primarily responsible for the introduction of the project to APODCAA. The desire to help the poor and the underprivileged members of society who cannot afford the exorbitant cost of dialysis care in private hospitals prompted members of the APODCAA to respond to the challenge.

Committed to the principles of service, members of APODCAA began by preparing a detailed plan of action. This started with the arduous task of fabricating board panels designed for the crates which were to carry the machines. APODCCA members spent many hours, often sacrificing family and personal matters, with the enthusiasm and dedication needed to see the successful completion of the project. It was the hope that these hemodialysis machines could be of service to patients and their families, many of whom live in communties were APODCCA members have never visited, that provided the motivation for the task.

Provincial Governor Oscar Moreno of Misamis Oriental kept in close contact with APODCAA through Vice Governor Norris Babiera, Board Member Benedict Lagbas and attorney Cromwell Generalao. All worked closely with Sis. Carolina Peralta-Pineda, chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means of the Cagayan de Oro-Misamis Oriental Association of New York, and John Ongpoy, to coordinate the project.

President Edgar Villaluz, officers and members of APOGNYAA initiated a fund-raising activity along with officers and members of the Cagayan de Oro-Misamis Oriental Association of New York, represented by President Robert Cabunoc, and the Association of Bukidnon in America, which was represented by President Marlon Valcorza.

The success of the Dialysis Machine Project drew the attention and support of the members and the Board of Directors of Alpha Phi Omega Council of North America (ACNA). ACNA President and ARNA Director Lester Arevalo was supportive of the cause and impressed by the performance of APODCAA.

Project Overall Coordinator Sipin stated, “The Dialysis Machine Project not only proves to be beneficial to the intended recipients, it also provided an opportunity to bond with brothers and sisters locally and around the world. Those who learned about the project and supported the cause made us realize that we really belong to a greater family.”

“In our lifetime, we don't see this happening very often,” APODCAA President Gomez said. “It gives us a lot of satisfaction to be able to stand for the principle of service which is a core value of Alpha Phi Omega. This project is a major achievement of APODCAA and we would like to thank each and everyone who contributed to its success. Special mention goes to the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Cross, Mr. William Frederick, and the officers and staff of Holy Cross Hospital whose generosity made this possible.”

The machines are expected to arrive at the Port of Manila, Philippines by May 30.