MAHARLIKA DENTAL, SURGICAL AND REHABILITATVE MISSION TO MLANG, NORTH COTABATO

Maharlika Charity Foundation holds outreach surgical missions to areas where specialized medical/surgical services are unavailable to the indigenous and indigent segment of the population.

Each mission is based on a partnership between Maharlika Charity Foundation and the local government unit with well defined responsabilities and pledges on both sides.

This mission brought us to Mlang in North Cotabato, Mindanao. Some 80,000 people leave in the area with limited access to medical services. Doctors are few and far apart, no specialized surgeries are offered.

Town Mayor Joselito F. Pinol says: If it serves the people, I can run the municipal government from under a mango tree.

Mayor Pinol also has a talent to motivate his people. And so happened that many offices including his own and that of Vice Mayor Bernie F. Abasques, the town council hall as well as the multi purpose hall and the pitoresque senior citizen center were transformed to serve as dormitory, dental clinic, general surgery, plastic surgery and ophtalmology surgery.

The Maharlika volunteers arrived, doctors, dentists and nurses, the other volunteers, the van and its load arrived. For a few days, Mlang disposed of a first class medical center staffed with among the best Mindanao has to offer.

The nursing students from North Valley College and all the local volunteers helped to make this mission possible.

At the end, 28 doctors participated, taking turns or staying all throughout, travelling many hours to perform sometimes just a few surgeries according to the field of their expertise. They were assisted by 26 Maharlika nurses and 45 other Maharlika volunteers.

So many patients were served by the different departments,

- 250 screened/235 treated by dental,

- 286 general surgeries,

- 27 screened/15 surgeries facial reconstruction,

- 86 surgeries ophtalmology,

- 37 treated for hearing challenges 15 qualified for hearing aid.

Please have a look at previous mission photos by talented photo artist paul booromeo.

HELP NEEDED:
The missions rely on donations of medical and surgical supplies and equipment as well as other types of in-kind support so that the volunteer surgeons may provide the highest quality of service throughout Mindanao.

FINANCIAL HELP ALWAYS WELCOME

EQUIPMENT WISH LIST:
- A Scans
- Autoclaves
- Auto Keratometer
- Portable Surgical Microscope
- Portable Yag Laser
SUPPLIES WISH LIST:
Intraocular lenses
Suture (10-0 Nylon or 4-0 Silk)
Viscoelastic'
contact rc_mactan@yahoo.com

previous articles and pictures about this medical missions

SOME PICTURES MAHARLIKA MISSION TO MLANG

Please have a look at mission photos by talented photo artist paul borromeo

You might also be interested to see his previous mission photos.

previous articles and pictures about this medical missions

EXCERPTS SPEECH RIPP BHICHAI RATTAKUL DURING MULTI DISTRICT CONFERENCE IN CEBU

The entire speech was sent by PDG Dr. Paul C.K. Lee of Malaysia to be passed on to Rotarians. Here high lights only.

Director Elect John Lawrence, Governor Yumi, fellow Rotarians

... It is in the Philippines that I have come to learn and appreciate the value of Rotary. It is here that I learn more about Rotary from Past Governor Balmi Balmacida who was the Presidents' representative in 1964 when I served as district governor of the then seven-country district of RI.

... some preliminary figures for RY 2006/2007:
- total contributions USD 126 million (up USD 14 million)
- annual program fund USD 102 million
- investment returns USD 57 million
- total revenue USD 183 million (might well be 216 million when final figures out)
- total programes awards and operations USD 122 million

... To me, sharing means giving of ones self ... giving our time, our money, and most important of all giving our LOVE. We can find evidence that Rotary shares in every corner of the world, in the clean water people are drinking, in the schools where children are learning, in the clinics where mothers bring their babies.

But without doubt, our most visible effort is our work for global polio eradication. Initiated by the Rotarians in the Philippines more than 2 decades ago it has become Rotary's most precious piece of work being carried out by a non-governemental organization the world has ever witnessed!
... But for thousands of children in the four remaining polio-endemic countries that threat remains very real and we must always keep that in mind. Eradication of polio is a goal of the HIGHEST order of Rotary international.
... We must continue to believe in the dream of a polio-free world. It is achievable.
Dreaming has its values, but never should it become a substitute for work that needs to be done.
... Remember, when God puts a burden upon you, He also puts His arms around you. Our promise to the children of the world must be kept.

Ask ourselves, "what right have we?" We meet weekly for a meal and thinki we change the world. And then, we go out and do it! I say, we have the right! We have the right of history. The right of humanity. The right of compassion. and the right of being supporters of the Foundation.

... Yes, when one life is changed, the world is changed!

...To me ideas mean a lot. Rotary has the right ideas. We only need conviction and determination to implement it and turn the lofty ideals into action through our Foundation. A Rotarian's determination to solve a problem and the resources of the Foundation are unbeatable. And that personnal involvement adds another element that is not typically part of philantropy... it is love.

... My fellow Rotarians, our foundation offers us a very special way to love others. I encourage you to take advantage of this valuable gift and share it to make a better world.

... These trouble times lend urgency to our calling as Rotarians. Now, more than ever, we must work to break down the myth and misconceptions that fuel conflict among peoples of the world. More than ever we must focus, not on our differences, but on our shared human condition.

... Rotary and its Foundation are just the beginning to begin our journey at the dawn of a new day... a new century. Yes, the sun never sets on Rotary and its Foundation as long as you are there ... and I leave you with the confidence that you can do great things.

VISAYAS AND MINDANAO MULTI DISTRICT ROTARY FOUNDATION CONFERENCE

CELEBRATE ROTARY: INDUCTION OF OFFICERS OF THE PHILIPPINE COLLEGE OF ROTARY GOVERNORS

PRIP Bhichai Rattakul with members of RC Mactan.

PP PAT MACEREN served to SOW THE SEEDS OF LOVE.

Motif: Barrio Fiesta Attire: Barong

fellowship

MORE GUESTS ARRIVE TO ATTEND THE TRF CONFERENCE

Rotary International Director John Lawrence welcomed by RC Mactan President Maita Manglapus at Mactan International Airport, district3860 PDG Patuasi and RC Mactan members join in.

PDG R.T. Arasu welcomed by RC Mactan President Elect Mona Bourseaux at Mactan International Airport.

Presidents Elect meet district3860 Governor Elect Padilla

A WARM WELCOME ROTARY INTERNATIONAL PAST PRESIDENT BHICHAI RATTAKUL

L
Rotary International Past President Bhichai Rattakul welcomed by RC Mactan President Maita Manglapus at Mactan International Airport.

The 3 districts in the southern Philippines will be holding a Rotary Foundation Conference. PRIP Rattakul has accepted to grace the occasion as Main and Inspirational Speaker.
Here joined by District3860 Governor Michael Joseph Espina (3d from left), PDG Salvador Angala (3d from right), guests and members of RC Mactan


Second from right is PAG Rosauro M. Borromeo jr., the backbone of Fondation activities in District3860

UPCOMING VISIT OF ROTARY INTERNATIONAL PAST PRESIDENT BHICHAI RATTAKUL

Bhichai Rattakul served as Rotary International President for RY 2002/3 with the teme: Sow the seeds of love.

The following biography was published by Rotary Global History Fellowsip.

Bhichai Rattakul was educated in Bangkok and Hong Kong and received an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Political Science from the University of Ramkhamhaeng University in Bangkok and Kensington University in California.

A Member of Parliament for nine terms since 1969 and Leader of the Democrat Party, he has served his country as Foreign Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, Speaker of the House of Representatives and President of the Parliament.

Bhichai Rattakul is Honorary Vice President of the Thai Scout Council. He has also served as Chairman of the Anti Corruption Commission, Anti Drugs Commission, National Audit Commission and the 13th Asian Games Organizing committee.
He has been decorated with Special Class Honor from the King of Thailand and honors from the Emperor of Japan, Presidents of the Philippines, Korea, Austria, and Nicaragua. He was also awarded the highest International Olympic Award and the Asian Olympic Award by the International Olympics Committee.
Bhichai Rattakul joined the Rotary Club of Dhonburi (Bangkok) as a charter member in 1958 and has served Rotary International as district governor, international assembly group discussion leader, committee member and chairman, trustee of the Rotary Foundation, director and chairman of the Executive Committee of Rotary International. He is the recipient of The Rotary Foundation's Distinguished Service Award and Citation for Meritorious Service for his support of its international humanitarian and educational programs.

SURGICAL AND REHABILITATIVE MISSION AND SIGHT RESTORING PROGRAM

Members of RC Mactan regularly join medical, surgical and rehabilitative missions to Mindanao. Thousands of poor, disabled patients, burn victims, those suffering from eye defects, congenital anomalies, and other diseases are treated free by some of Davao's best medical and dental specialists under Maharlika Charity Programs.

Projects, Services and Programs offered:

1. Ophtalmologic Surgery Program- Cataract Surgery- Squint Surgery- Pterygium

2. Plastic/Reconstructive Surgery Program- Cleft Lip/Palate Surgery- Burn Surgery** done in partnership with the Mindanao Burn Center- Davao Medical Center

3. Dental Services Program- Preventive Dentistry- Oral Surgery- Restorative Dentistry- Orthodontics

4. General Surgery

5. Ear Clinic- Audiometery and Hearing Aid Provision

6.Pediatric Rehabilitation Center- Caters to children with:Developmental Delay, Autism, Disabilities

7. Education, Training, Ambulatory Care, Nurses and OR technicians

8. Mindanao - Wide Surgeons Network for Trauma and Mass Casualties

HELP NEEDED:

The programs rely on donations of medical and surgical supplies and equipment as well as other types of in-kind support so that the volunteer surgeons may provide the highest quality in its mission and clinic throughout Mindanao.

FINANCIAL HELP ALWAYS WELCOME

EQUIPMENT WISH LIST:

- A Scans

- Autoclaves

- Auto Keratometer

- Portable Surgical Microscope

- Portable Yag Laser

SUPPLIES WISH LIST:

Intraocular lenses

Suture (10-0 Nylon or 4-0 Silk)

Viscoelastic'

see the achievements of the good volunteer doctors, nurses and many others

previous articles and pictures about this medical missions

SUPPORT A CHILD OR YOUNG ADULT WITH DISABILITY

RC MACTAN shares and supports medical, educational and rehabilitation facilities for children with disabilities.

The short term goal is to provide food, clothing shelter and elementary as well as high school education to physically-challenged kids brought to BahayMapagmahal Sta. Lucia, Novalichez, Quezon City.

The needs are:

Money Donations: Each child needs a 40 USD budget per Month to cover the cost of the above mentioned.

Donations in kind are also welcome:

Rice

Milk

Sugar

Clothing

School Supplies

Medicines ( vitamins, for headache, for fever,for cough ect.....)

please visit BAHAY MAPAGMAHAL

a special thanks to Miss Jennie Adolfo, the very able housemother of Bahay Mapagmahal and Webmaster of Rotary Club of Mactan

COMPUTERS AND OFFICE EQUIPMENT FOR LITERACY TRAINING & LIVELIHOOD PROGRAM

The existing Rotary Club of Information Building is conceptualized to facilitate training for livelihood program and training center for the club’s literacy program to benefit the people of Mactan and its neighboring towns and cities.

Rotary Club of Mactan is currently looking for some international partners who can help us realize the training by helping us fund the acquisition of computers, sewing machines, edging machines, welding machines, LCD Projector, photocopying machine and other equipments to be used for the (HANDS-ON) TRAINING.
This project will help individuals to learn and cultivate their potentials and ability in performing various craft of life. The project helps them to prepare for future employment. By then, it help alleviates the underemployed people who belong to the said place.

Objectives:
To help alleviate poverty in the area;
To empower individual with useful knowledge for employment;
To enhance the skills and potentials of the people in Lapu-lapu City;
To give better future to the Out Of School Youth ;
To foster friendship among the residents of Lapu-lapu City;
To strengthen the capacity and skills of the beneficiaries;
To promote Humanity in Motion through Rotary Community Projects.

.IV. FINANCIAL / NEEDED EQUIPMENTS: US$ 16,500.00
10 units computers @ Ph 32,000.00
4 units printers @ Ph 4,000.00
1 unit photocopy machine@ Ph 56,000.00
1 unit LCD Projector @ Ph 45,000.00
10 units computer tables @ Ph 3,000.00
10 units sewing machines @ Ph 10,000.00
2 units Edging machines @ Ph 25,000.00
5 units welding machines @ Ph 10,000.00
Raw Materials for skills training @ Ph 46,000.00
Transportation allowance of Instructors @ PH46,000.00

WATER FOR ABUNOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

THE IMMEDIATE RECEPIENT OF THIS PROPOSED PROJECT IS A PUBLIC SCHOOL LOCATED AT BARANGGAY ABUNO, LAPU-LAPU CITY WITH ABOUT 800 ENROLLEES.
THE STUDENTS ARE MOSTLY FROM FAMILIES WHOSE BASIC SOURCE OF LIVELIHOOD IS GUITAR MAKING.

2. DEEP WELL FOR WATER SUPPLY AND DISTRIBUTION
”This project aims to drill deep well and construct an overhead water storage tank. Thus will able to provide the very needed potable water for the community of Baranggay Abuno, Lapu-lapu City especially at the about 800 Abuno High School students.
The Abuno High School , through its Parents-Teachers Association (PTCA) will help on the process of drilling and installation of the deep well and storage tank.

3. Cost Estimates:
Electrict Pump and Water Storage Tank US $ 500.00
Pipes and Fittings for Water line US $ 200.00
Angle Bars/ Flat Bars/ Welding Rods/Consumables US $ 100.00
Drilling Cost – (Labor Cost) US $ 200.00
Fabrication of Flatform for Overhead Storage Tank US $ 150.00
Laboratory Test for Water Safety US $ 50.00
TOTAL COST US $ 1,200.00

Other RC Mactan WCS Projects :RY 2006-07 Water Supply & Distribution at Gabi Cordova Elem School
RY 2005-06 Water Supply and Distribution at Calawisan, lapulapu City
RY 2004-05 Water Supply & Distribution at Brgy Bangbang, Cordova
RY 2003-04 Livelihood program for RCC Basak : RUG MAKING & Entrepreneurship
RY 2003-04 Livelihood program for RCC Cogon: Dressmaking & Entrepreneurship

REAHABILITATION AND PROSTHESIS FOR AMPUTEES

PROJECT ROTARY: SHARE A STEP
Operation Lakaw… Let’s Walk with New Hope

There are hundreds of people who lost a leg or both legs due to Accidents, Diabetes and other illnesses. Many of them are young, bread winners, and are potentials for employment if given a chance to walk again through prosthesis. This may help them gain more self confidence and become fruitful citizens.

However, due to poverty and lack of financial access, many cannot afford to have prosthesis.

Rotary Club of Mactan was able to find a local partner, the UPPGH Rehab Dept. to design a new project :“ROTARY SHARES A STEP : Operation Lakaw… Let’s Walk with HOPE.”

Target Date : October 19, 20 & 21

Financial Needs :
1. Comity/ Doctors’ Travel Expense to neighboring cities US $ 200.00& town to conduct screening of Patients
2. Travel Expense of 3 Technicians Cebu-Manila- Cebu $ 300.00
3. Local accommodations of 3 Technicians $ 300.00with food and travel allowance ( 3days)
4. Printing of Posters/ Newspaper fee to inform the community $ 200.00of the available service ____________
TOTAL $ 1,000.00
WE ARE LOOKING FOR AN INTERNATIONAL PARTNERto help us fund the project… please be the ONE !

WELCOME DISTRICT 3860 GOVERNOR "YUMI" ESPINA

a Singaporean Rare Tree as mark of governor's visit to RC MACTAN INFORMATION BUILDING

Turnover of 2 desk top computers to LapuLapu Central Elementary School thru School Principal Mdme Lucia Zapanta, a ssincere thanks to our zone1E Asst. Governor Lito for sharing so that we can extend our literacy program.

The Governor with members of RC MACTAN SITE ROTARACT

STEC INTERACT Mural painting competition

WATER FOR GABI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

A happy Mayor Sitoy of Cordova with District 3860 Governor Espina

a very special thanks to a well known friends from Japan: Rotary Club of Chiba, Japan

tower with pump house and water tank

now a school serving 400 elementary school kids has water

MORE BLOOD DONATED

Rotarians share ... even their own blood

NUTRITION AND HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

training the young and prepare them for a healthy lifestyle, BASAK day care center

eating healthy food is fun, Canjulao day care center

homework and reading after eating heathy food, typical dwelling somewhere in Basak

HEALTH AND NUTRITION: VITAMIN A

Instead of giving capsules, the planting of vegetables rich in vitamin A was in encouraged to 4 groups of 50 mothers each. They had a competition to cook according to nutrition needs, inexpensive and tasty.

ROTARY COMMUNITY CORPS

RC MACTAN sustains several community corps, producing rugs, candles or offering services such as massage, reflexology, hair cut, recycling solid waste, or propagating vitamin A.

Latest addition to the list of products: lamp shades

Paul Harris 1933 Rotary International Speech

In 1933 Paul harris gave a speech at the 24th annual Rotary International Convention. It was aired around the world. There was no video of this event, so Don Kemplen, RC Modesto East, Ca, decided to animate a picture of Paul Harris and present the speech in a visual context.

Rotary Club - Paul Harris

MANGROVE PLANTING PROJECY

MactanMangrove trees have continually been cut over the years and have despoiled fisheries resources.
In 1918, the Philippines had an estimated 450,000 hectares of mangrove cover.
After 75 years, over 310,000 hectares of the country’s mangrove cover has been lost due to cutting, conversation of mangrove swamps to fishponds, and in general, poor management by communities and local governments.

Mangroves play an important role in maintaining the ecological balance of the coastal ecosystem. Mangrove forests act as sieves in the coastal zone, preventing the damaging effect of upland sediments that wash down to the coasts on sea grass beds and fragile coral reefs.
Aside from promoting clear water for the growth of corals and sea grass, mangrove roots serve as hiding places for young animals and fishes, the branches and leaves provide shelter for birds and wildlife.
Mangrove leaves fall and decompose into microscopic detritus that serve as food for animals and fish in the mangrove areas.
Aside from this, the crown and stem of mangrove trees serve as physical barriers that absorb the force of winds and waves that can cause damage to the coastal communities.

Rotary Club of MACTAN, together with its Interact Clubs, is taking a step to rehabilitate our mangroves habitat and conserve what is left after all the destruction. We are looking for an International Rotary Partner who can help us fund the planting of 10,000 mangrove seedlings.

One mangrove seedling is P/ 15.00 or US$ 32 cents or HK$ 2.40.

MATCHING GRANT PROPOSAL: AMBULANCE

LIS PRECIOUS !
Savings lives through prompt responses to emergency calls is why the Rotary Club of Mactan plans to have this project.
Our service partner will be the Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation in Cebu and Lapulapu.

Currently, the ambulance run of ERUF had increased tremendously, that sometimes, they were forced to decline some calls due to lack of ambulance.This project aims to provide one unit of ambulance to ERUF to serve the community of Mactan and its neighboring cities and towns.

Cost USD 22,000
Fundinging still needed: USD 16,000

ROTARIANS MEET HONORARY CONSUL OF RUSSIA AT BELGIUM NATIONAL DAY

Honorary Consul of Russia in Cebu is Mrs Armie Lopez Garcia, here seen with President, Secretary and Treasurer of ROTARY CLUB OF MACTAN

Rotarians meet the Ambassador of Belgium to the Philippines at the occasion of the Belgium National Day. Joining the celebration is Honorary Consul of Russia, Mrs Amie Lopez Garcia.

2d VISIT OF MISS JENNY LACHANCE

This time around Miss Lachance surprised with a 200 USD donation by Rotary Club of White House, Tennessee. A very warm thanks to all the members of this club. President Maita immediately decided that this money would by equipment for the Poblacion Health Care Center.

BASAK DAY CARE CENTER

POBLACION HEALTH CARE CENTER

Special thanks to ROTARY CLUB OF GALLATIN for extending assistance to Rey. Rey is running a small store with school supplies. Also he produces Paper Bags. His increased inventory and his newly installed telephone increase his turnover.

Please also read article about 1st visit of Miss Lachance:
http://rc-mactan.blogspot.com/2007/06/visit-of-miss-jennie-lachance.html

also please visit her website:
http://www.planetrotary.net/