ISA Participates in Medical-Dental Mission with Lumads
In partnership with the Institute of Spirituality in Asia (ISA), the ecumenical group Anawin Mission continues to reach out to Indigenous People (IP or Lumad), this time through a medical-dental mission held on October 27 at Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI) Katipunan, Quezon City.
The church compound was then hosting the LumadBakwit School for children who have evacuated their homes in Mindanao, together with their teachers and parents, due to militarization.
Even when they have no permanent place in Metro Manila, the school children continue their education as religious groups and universities generously offer a site for a week or two.
For the medical-dental mission, more than 30 physicians, dentists, pharmacists and nurses came from Metro Manila and Bulacan to check the physical condition of the Lumads and to offer free medicines and vitamins.
The volunteers\’ mission started with a liturgy and a brief orientation facilitated by Bro. Jade Gerona, a Carmelite Friar and a member of ANAWIM MISSION. Fr. Rico Ponce, O.Carm, co-convenor, then welcomed everyone.Â
The event gained much from the presence of Atty. Jojo Lacanilao, one of the members of the ANAWIM MISSION Council of Leaders and a volunteer lawyer for the Lumads.Â
Also making the event successful were Carmelite student friars, the staff of ISAÂ and of the Order of Carmelites, and other volunteers.Â
Chummy Chum Foundation and other generous organizations as well as kind-hearted individuals provided financial assistance, medical supplies and ingredients for the meals shared by everyone after the consultation.
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Carmen Alviar, Ph.D.