The 2024 Ohana Medical Mission To The Philippines

The Ohana Medical Mission Inc. (OMM) once again started the year 2024 by conducting a large-scale medical mission in the Philippines.

The medical mission covered the towns of San Fernando, Bauang, Bacnotan and Balaoan in La Union from January 8-12 and January 13-14, 2024 in Cabugao, Ilocos Sur sponsored by the Sonido Family.

This was also preceded by an OMM-supported medical mission in Barangay Sta. Cruz, Sinait, Ilocos Sur on December 30, 2023 sponsored by the Iloreta Family c/o Ms. Herminia Gaspar, the current secretary of OMM.

The medical mission provided medical, surgical, dental , optical and humanitarian services to the beneficiaries. It also provided continuing medical education (CME) to local physicians with the help of local experts in the fields of Cardiology, Rheumatology, Surgery, Endocrinology, Geriatrics, Pediatrics and OB-Gyne.The La Union medical mission is considered to be one of the largest undertakings of OMM.

This has been a close collaboration among stakeholders namely the Provincial Government, Local government units, Philippine Medical Association, La Union chapter, Philippine Dental Association, La Union chapter, UST Medical Alumni Association of America foundation, TITANS USA, Sigma Beta Tau Phi Fraternity and Kappa Chi Omega Sorority of the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Medicine and Surgery.

The Ilocos Training and Regional Medical center in San Fernando, La Union has provided the indigent patients free laboratory and ancillary services. It also accepted referred patients from the mission for continuity of care.

The success of the mission would not have been possible without the hardwork of all volunteers both from the USA and Philippines and the able leaderships of Dr. Ian Guerrero of OMM, Dr. Ferdinand Ramos of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Medical Alumni Association of America and Dr. David Bolong, chairman of the Department of Surgery, UST Hospital.

Those who joined from Hawaii include first time volunteer students from the PMAH foundation, Balaonians of Hawaii led by Mr. Cesar Ramirez, sisters Carlota Ader and Baybee Hufana-Ablan, both from San Fernando, La Union and Marianela Jacob APRN ,President of the Philippine Nurses Association of Hawaii with his family.

Familiar faces and veteran missionaries who joined are Dr. Charlie Sonido, Nelson and the Sonido family, Dr. Amelia Jacang, Dr. Russel Kelly and wife Cynthia, Dr. Arnold and Dorie Villafuerte , Hermie and Bill Gaspar, Dr. Ed Dela Cruz and Armie Dela Cruz RN, Dr. Robert Sy  and JP Orias, OMM’s executive director. Volunteers from the USA mainland include Dr. Ferdinand Ramos, Dr. Samuel Macagba and wife Jane RN, Dr. Manuel Dela Cruz, wife Lucy with daughter Ysabelle, Dr. Bernie Servillas and wife Monica, Petronilo Ramos and Marielle RN, Dr. Rizalina Peralta and Hydie Invencion RN.

The Philippine-based volunteers include local government unit volunteers, Philippine Medical association volunteers, Dentist volunteers, Surgery residents of UST hospital, medical students from the University of Santo Tomas and the preceptees of the Hawaii Titans Preceptorship program.The medical mission culminated with the Aloha Night at GEFSIES Greek Grill, a fun-filled night full of laughter, dancing, singing and pure camaraderie among missionaries. The weeklong mission has never been a dull moment.

OMM sustains its missions through the generosities of all the donors. OMM will forever be grateful and honored for the donors to be part of its success. On to the next mission!