The vibrant atmosphere of the 25th anniversary celebration of the St. Charles Borromeo Philippine Medical Mission lit up the parish hall at St. Agnes Church in Arlington July 27.
Amidst the music and the aromas of traditional Filipino dishes, smiles emanated from the faces of donors and board members who gathered for the event. A common reflection among many was how the persistence of volunteers has supported the medical needs of Filipinos in need.
“We went through a lot of heartaches,” said Maricel Bretault, founding member of SCBPMM. “We’re a very small group of volunteers. I think these are the volunteers (who) have really had the resilience, commitment and love for the poor. That’s why we’re here.”
For 25 years, the mission has dedicated itself to providing vulnerable Filipinos, especially the elderly and children, with financial assistance, medicine, medical supplies and supporting health care education. Since its establishment in 1999, the organization has raised more than $1.7 million for partner organizations in the Philippines.
“(The mission) has provided support to provide meals for over 400 families and children here in Quezon City,” said Jesuit Father Bienvenido F. Nebres, former president of the Ateneo de Manila University, in a testimonial video at the event. “By providing food for them, you have made it possible for the children to grow healthy, to do well in school, and to really provide hope for a better life for themselves and for their children.”
As the mission looks ahead to the coming years, it hopes to continue sending financial support to directly help those in need in the Philippines.
Juliet Teodosio, board member and coordinator for the mission’s partner organization Ateneo Center for Educational Development, described the impact on both volunteers and recipients of the assistance in an organization that has direct ties to partners such as the Foundation of Our Lady of Peace Missions Inc., CHILDHOPE Asia Philippines Inc., Religious of Notre Dame of the Missions Inc., and several others.
“It feels fulfilling that you are able to help the poor in the Philippines,” Teodosio said. “We don’t just send food or something. We have projects that (are) more gratifying (and) sustainable.”
The event opened with prayer and remarks from Fernando Manibog, a board member who coordinates with the mission’s partner organization the Cancer Warriors Foundation. After dinner, there were testimonial videos and performances.
Dr. Harvey Carpio, executive director for the Childhope Philippines Foundation, thanked the volunteers and the people who run and support the initiatives, especially the mobile health clinic.
“A significant impact brought about by your support to the clinic is the evident change in the behavior, the health seeking behavior of not just the children, but also their families,” Carpio said.
The performances included the Gawasnong Maghahalad dancers and Filipina singer Raina Chan, a contestant on NBC’s “The Voice.”
Near the end of the evening, Bretault was presented with a recognition award for her 25 years of service to the mission.
“If there was no authentic charity and authentic love for the poor, I think we would not have lasted this long,” Bretault said.
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Publish date : 2024-07-31 08:08:00
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