Last Sunday morning, a 17-man Medical Mission team conducted free medical mission at the Children Park for more than 300 typhoon affected families here.

Winston Santiago, head of the team, said that the medical mission was organized by Mulanay Experiential Incorporated (MEI), DLSU-United Students for Assimilated Philippines and DLSU-La Salle Democratic Alliance.

The medical mission is also in cooperation with Pasay-Parañaque Medical Society, Rotary Club of Parañaque –St Andrews, Rotary Club of Parañaque –St. Paul, Mega Sardines Foundation, FiveStar Bus Company, Ponciano C. Marquez Foundation, Victory Liner and Operation Blessing, according to MEI chairman.

Santiago said the medical mission was dubbed “Operation Tulong sa Alaminos, as there group’s humble response and commitment to Mayor Nani’s appeal for assistance.

He said that the team is composed of doctors, nurses, volunteers, students and officers and members of non-government organizations based in Metro Manila.

“(Through FaceBook and the city’s official website) we learned what had happened in Alaminos,” said Santiago.

“As their schoolmate and a good friend, we are here to extend assistance to the victims of typhoon Emong through this Operation Tulong,” added the MEI chairman.

Aside from the distribution of assorted medicines, used clothes and shoes including books, other reading materials and food packs were also given to the beneficiaries.

“This is our way of sharing with the (typhoon) victims what we have and the blessings that our associations are receiving,” said Dr. Joseph Carabeo, of Pasay-Parañaque Medical Society and also a good friend of the city mayor.

Dr. Ma. Victoria O. Carambas, city health officer, said “assistance coming from private entities such as this medical mission is very much welcome in our city.”

She added that “Operation Tulong” benefited those who failed to avail of the free medical services conducted in the barangays last month.

The city government through city health office and with the help of Philippine-American Group of Educators and Surgeon (PAGES) and other benevolent groups spearheaded a month-long medical mission here.

Carambas disclosed that most of the medicines used during said medical mission were donated by PAGES, which conducted a major medical-surgical-dental mission in the city few years ago.

Meanwhile, Mayor Braganza, was on hand in welcoming his old friends and the members of the team.

The visionary chief executive thanked his schoolmates at the De La Salle University and former colleagues in the student movement for their sympathy.

“We are indeed grateful for your concern and generosity,” said the mayor who gave a certificate of appreciation to each member of the team after the half day medical mission.

“And kindly extend also our sincere appreciate and gratitude to your project partners for their utmost concern to our city,” he added.

After the successful medical mission, Mayor Braganza toured the team to world famous Hundred Islands National Park for them to enjoy a unique eco-adventure experience.(CIO)