On May 1o, 2oo9, at exactly 3.3o am, from Matina, Davao, the caravan started, composed of One Mobile Operating Theater Unit, One Maharlika Bus, and four private vehicles. Maharlika Charity Foundation, Inc Surgical Mission on Cataract, Squint, Pterygium, Cleft Lip and Dental Extration officially began. Illustrious passengers of this caravan are composed of the team of Surgeons in the persons of Dr. Rizal Aportadera, Dr. Benedict Valdez, Dr. M. Aportadera, Dr. M. Libre, Dr. E. Embalsado ably assisted by volunteer Surgeons, Anesthesiologists, nurses, technicians, assistants, Maharlika office staff, photographers 'Chiaw Yap and Joey Gloria, as well as Board of Trustees Chairman, Rosauro "Jun" Borromeo with illustrious Trustee Members, Mesdames Betty Capili and Letty Averion. Yours truly, fortunate enough to be invited as a Volunteer trekked the rough and rugged montain trails that would bring us to the highlands of Marawi City, the islamic capital of Lanao del Sur.
This particualr mission, made possible after a series of several visits and negotiations with Governor Mamintal "bombit" Adiong, Jr.and the Mindanao State University headed by its Presidents, MacapadoA. Muslim, was a resounding success. Both their staff left no stones unturned in acomodating the entire Maharlika Volunteers for four days from pre-operating procedures, to halal meals and the royal banquet that left all of us mesmerized and impressed at the rare gesture of goodwill and friendship offered by our Muslim Brothers and sisters in this outlying part of Mindanao.
We saw nobility in the culture of this Muslim Region, felt it, even touched it. But truly nobles are the Maharlika volunteers who gave their talents, skills and unselfish time and effort for free, a magnanimous contribution to the less fortunate, victims of circumstances and misfortune. people who would never have afforded treatment neither made available to them. They saw their rewards in being dramatic instrument for those who cannot see and now can see, for those with congenital defects and now are made whole. Maharlika restored their dignity and now are given a chance to be productive members of their community. The rest is up to them.
pictures courtesy of Chiaw Yap and Joey Gloria
