UERM alumni in California set medical mission in Abra
ABRA GOVERNOR Dominic Valera
By Dan Nino, Los Angeles Correspondent
LOS ANGELES/BANGUED, Abra – With most of the Covid-19 travel restrictions lifted, the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Medical Alumni Association of Southern California (UERM MAASC), decided to resume its annual humanitarian endeavors in the Philippines.
The recent earthquakes affecting Northern Luzon, specifically the province of Abra as the epicenter, the medical group chose Bangued, the province’s capital to conduct its medical mission to include feeding and gift giving programs.
Current Los Angeles-based Consul General Edgar Badajos, a native son of Bangued, also played a major factor in the association’s decision to go to Abra in late January 2023.
Three barangays were chosen as the site of the medical mission, namely: Banacao, Sagap and Calaba in the capital town of Bangued.
With the help of Abra Gov. Dominic Valera and Bangued Mayor Mila Valera, the medical mission has been scheduled from January 30 to February 1 this
year. The humanitarian mission will benefit about 500 schoolchildren in these three barangays.
year. The humanitarian mission will benefit about 500 schoolchildren in these three barangays.
The Abra Medical Society with Dr. Joselito Bringas together with his wife of Councilwoman Rowena Bringas are also assisting UERM MAASC in this humanitarian program.
According to organizers, “UERM MAASC, UERM MAAAI, other groups and individual donors provided the much-needed funds for us to be able to resume this annual medical mission.”
Overall coordinators Dr. Rosita San Diego, Dr. Edgar Banez and Dr. Joselito Babaran, said,”This mission is made possible by the generosity of our alumni members and donors but most importantly the unselfish dedication of our volunteers in the US and in the Philippines.”
They added, “We also thank our dear Lord for the opportunity to serve and for His guidance and blessings. May we continue to help our needy kababayans stay healthy and have a better life as one barangay and one community at this challenging times.”
A total of 40 volunteers led by UERM MAASC President Dr. Pauline Jose include medical doctors, nurses, paramedical personnel mostly from Southern California are involved in this project.
