Organizers of the United Catanduanes San Diego “Gift of Love” Medical-Dental and Humanitarian Mission declared the five-day mission an unqualified success despite the suspension of the mission by the provincial government due to fears over the Covid-19 outbreak.
In his message during the group’s gathering at ARDCI Corporate Inn function hall last Feb. 14, 2020, Dr. Oscar Enriquez told members of the group that, against all odds, the mission’s cherished purpose of helping their fellow Catandunganons has prevailed and came to reality.
“I firmly believe that the kindness, charity and compassion towards our fellow men triumphed over fears over the virus and turned out to be the crowning glory of our mission,” he said, describing the task of planning and implementing the project as a daunting task.
On behalf of the volunteers from the United States, Metro Manila and Catanduanes, he expressed gratitude to Bishop Manolo delos Santos, who opened churches’ doors to the group for their gift-giving, Manuel and Sonia Romero for allowing the use of their warehouse in the repacking of the goods, provincial coordinator Biet Pastor, Dr. Aida Dianela, and the volunteers who gave their precious time and resources to make the mission an overwhelming success.
Dr. Enriquez also awarded a plaque of appreciation to San Diego residents Rod and Rose Alonte, who had donated a sizeable amount to the mission following the loss of their daughter.
Rod Alonte celebrated his 50th birthday that evening while Dr. Enriquez marked his nth year the following day.
The full list of volunteers in the Gift of Love Medical and Humanitarian Mission 2020:
California – Aida Acosta, Dolly Alonte, Rod Alonte, Rose Alonte, Jun Andolong, Elba Chua, Jim Chua, Jezabeth Chua, Dominga Courtney, Mayette Teves Duncan, Antusa Enriquez, Fayeann Enriquez, Franklin Enriquez, Oscar Enriquez, Rosalie Enriquez, William Enriquez, Dale Lukan, Myrna Cruz Ocampo, Vedasto Pielago, Lynn Que, Armi Que-Tabifranca, Evelyn Rehfield, Pol Rodriguez, Susan Tatad Sarmiento, Buddy Tarroza, Angelina Tayo, Antonio Tayo, Felito Tayo, Melba Tayo, Lala Teves, Erlinda Velasco, and Romeo Velasco;
Arizona – Aida Camacho;
Florida – Celia Chancoco, Maria Rosario Maullon-Dionez, Eleanor Rodulfo and Bo Rodulfo;
Washington – Josephine Fagan, Felitico Gianan and Lolita Pereyra Gianan;
Texas – Ruby Maullon;
Canada – Maria Tayo Pelettier
Switzerland – Eleanor Tacorda-Golas
USA – Belma Worriex;
Catanduanes – Mila Vargas, Leticia Aguilar, Annie Atencia, Daisy Avila, Myrna Teofila Benavidez, Mercy Bartolome, Marites Binas, Liza Araojo-Candelaria, Maya Fajardo, Socorro Gaspar, Ferdinand Que, Erlinda Guerrero, Loloy Pastor, Faye Pastor, Diogena Tabuzo, Teresita Tayas, Marietta Tubeo, Vice Mayor Arlynn Arcilla, Biet Pastor and Aida Dianela;
Metro Manila – Salve Bagadiong, Rosana Pulvinar, Angel Rodulfo, Louie Santos, Maria Corazon Santos, and Jose Vela Jr.