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FAMI Six Surgical and Medical Mission finished with 7,500 medical consultations and 280 surgeries.  The FAMI Team led by tireless Niles Perlas (Founder & Chair) with Angelica Cu (Vice Chair) and socialite civic-minded Marietta Santos was joined by Makati Medical Mission Group headed by Dr. Victor Gisbert. The FAMI-MMG joint mission in Bago City was made possible by Ching’s brother Dr. Laennec  Baquiran from Makati and Laoag.

FAMI performed the surgeries in Bago City Hospital with the Local NGO, Charles O. Cojuangco Foundation coordinated by Rio and Georgie Diaz. Congressman Cojuangco’s staff volunteers, Bago Hospital Staff and La Salle volunteers made the mission one of the best organized.

After four days at Negros Occidental, FAMI left for Manila and Marinduque for second part of its mission.  The Marinduque group of 12 volunteers (14 seater plane) setup one-day free clinic at the island, seeing 820 medical consultations. They were housed and received by the Governor Carmencita Reyes and accompanied by her daughter Dr. Violet Reyes at their ocean beach home.  

The Manila group setup a free clinic and surgery at Ospital Ng Maynila. The Ospital Ng Maynila was celebrating their anniversary and welcomed FAMI as part of their program with Unilever, Philippines sponsoring part of the mission.  It was a hectic seven days but in the end all members felt emotionally fulfilled and privileged to have serves so many needy in the Philippines.

FAMI days were mostly hard work but at night, many sponsors encouraged us to continue by sponsoring dinners. These dinners included supporters like gracious and philanthropic Meldy Cojuangco who has for the second time welcomed us to her home, our everlasting friend, Bobby Novenario at his Forbes Park home. At Negros, our final grand dinner with MMG was hosted by Cong. Charles Cojuangco at their home in Hacienda Ballbina Ponteyedra; Bago’s Mayor Janet Torres’ home and by the Governor.

The FAMI team included: From the US - Dr. Lestrino Baquiran  · Dr. John J. Doolan · Dr. Dzuy Le ·  Dr. Lissette Lugo · Dr. Joseph Oxendine ·  Dr. Benedicto San Pedro ·  Dr. Amir Sitafalwalla ·  Dr. Cephas Swamidoss · Niles D. Perlas, CRNA (Team Leader) ·  Angelica Cu, RN (Team M Leader Pre-op / Medical) · Erin Ford, RN (Recovery) ·  Kerry Frost, RN (Recovery) ·  Maria Linda Gamboa, RN (OR)  ·  Asuncion Mabaquiao, RN (Medical) ·  Benedicta Muldong, RN (OR) ·  Marissa Olmos, RN (In-Charge Pharmacy) ·  Amelia Piguerra, RN (OR SuppliesIn-Charge) ·  Elizabeth Piracha RN (Recovery In-Charge) (Bago) ·   Kevin Pittman, RN (Recovery) ·  Virginia Steffl, RN (Medical) ·  Rome Reyes Velayo, Med Tech (Glucose Test) ·  Ma Ignacia Ocampo, Med Tech (Glucose Test) ·  Todd Fogel, Med Tech (Glucose Test) ·  Tony Lara (Support Admin)  ·  Gayle Lara (Out-Patient Clinic Control)  ·  Leus Perlas (Administrator) ·  Nancy San Pedro (Pharmacy) · Susana Sarangaya (Out Patient) ·  Sharifa Sitafalwalla (Pharmacy) ·  Shan Sitafalwalla (Junior Runner)  · Maryann Cadiz, RN ·  Sarah Vidad.

Team from Manila - Dr. Laennec Baquiran,Dr. Philip Cruz, Pediatrics (Medical) · Dr. Ovidio De Leon, Internist (Medical) · Dr. Joseph Villanueva, Internist (Medical) · Dr. Antonio Protacio · Aida Mudlong, RN (OR Supplies) · Winda Pilapil, RN (Patient Instruction) ·  Marietta Santos (Philippines Team Coordinator) · Filamer D. Kabigting (Medical Support) ·  Kelvin Gorospe (Medical Support) ·  Dr. Reynante del Valle, Internist (Medical) · Dr. Rene Luce, Internist (Medical) · Dr. Adamar Alvarez, Pharmacy (Medical) · Maria Teresa Santos (Support) ·  Pamphie Quiazon RN · Marilou Arroyo ·  Josene Elizalde 

2003 - 5th Medical Mission

FAMI 5^th Medical Mission was a success. We served 2,500 Medical patients in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur and another 2,250 in San Juan, Metro Manila. FAMI tapped the local physicians and volunteers to help distribute the medicines in Gabriela Silang Provincial Hospital and St. Martin De Porres Charity Hospital. We also performed, over 250 glucose tests in the two hospitals. FAMI donated a glucometer machine to each hospital.

FAMI brought over a million dollars worth of medicines, which was distributed to the two major hospitals and eight other NGO (Non Government Organization). It took 32 BALIKBAYAN boxes to have all the medicines shipped to the Philippines. FAMI had 22+ volunteers repacking for three days the medicines donated by CMMB and US physicians.

The Medical Team from New York who gave up one of their luggage spaces was; Niles Perlas, CRNA (Team Leader), Angelica Cu, RN, Bennie Muldong, RN, Romey Reyes, Susana Sarangaya, Ignacia Ocampo and Leus Perlas. We also had an additional American from Minnesota, Virginia Steffl, RN who joined us in Narita Airport who carried one of our boxes. The rest of the medicine boxes were shipped via Northwest Cargo.

Other volunteers from New York who was traveling to Manila and joined us included Dr. Lestrino Baquiran, Dr. Expedito Castillo, Augustina Johnson, RN, Maria Mamawal, Dennis Baquiran, Delia Baquiran, RN and Yolanda Javier. Two NY retirees: Winda Pilapil, RN and Linda Avancena RN volunteered for the entire mission.  We also got help from our good friend from Laoag, Dr. Laennec C. Baquiran. The other local physicians were from Dr. Philip Cruz’s team of five pediatricians and Manila doctors who traveled to Vigan City with us included: Dr. Joseph Villanueva, Dr. Edgar Escutin, Dr. Ovidio De Leon and Dr. Judith Llorin.

Of course our local coordinator Marietta Santos made our trip as smooth as possible. Our local volunteers included, Stella Asuncion, RN, Armida Ferrer, RN, Nona Lopez, Marvic Gaddi, Bobby Novenario, Arlene Arce, Annabele Abaya, Josine Elizalde, Trius Mayo. We want to acknowledge Maite Santos for all her good work in processing our cargo with the proper documents

2002 - 4th Medical Mission

FAMI completed successfully its humanitarian FOURTH SURGICAL AND MEDICAL MISSION on February 17, 2002 with medical consultation of almost 8,000 patients in seven hectic days. The medical consultations were done in Ospital Ng Makati near Pateros for 3,010 patients, another 2,300 at Gov. R.G.Ablan Sr. Memorial Hospital clinic and 2,630 at Malacanang Grounds Clinic.

FAMI also completed 36 major and minor surgeries. The fourth surgical team concentrated on women breast and ovarian cancer.  Surgeries performed included: mastectomy, breast biopsy, hysterectomy, congenital bilateral inguinal hernia and thyroidectomy. Patients came not only from local Makati and Laoag City area but also from Zonta Club and Marinduque patients. FAMI also perform 132 blood glucose testing by Romey Reyes MedTech.

At Ospital Ng Makati, our team also gave lectures in updates by specialty from Dr. Baquiran (Cardiac), Dr. Calanog (Ovarian Cancer), Dr. Castellano (Breast Cancer)

 The Surgical Team: Dr. Michael Castellano, Dr. Antonio Calanog, Dr. David Lee, Dr. Dzuy Le,  Dr. Cephas Swamidoss, Dr. Jay Ongsiako (Phil), Dr. Laenek Baquiran (Phil), Benedicta Muldong, RN, Amelia Piguerra, RN, Angelica Cu, RN, Elizabeth Piracha, RN, Pamphie D. Quiazon, RN and Niles D. Perlas, CRNA (Team Leader / Chair) Medical Team: Dr. Lestrino Baquiran, Dr. Jess Comidido (Phil), Dr. John J. Doolan, Dr. David Kanuck, Dr. Thippa Ramaraju, Dr. Benedicto San Pedro, Dr. Robert Ulseth, Dr. Violet Reyes (Phil), Silva Toledo, PA, Romy R. Velayo – interpreter In-Charge, Ma Ignacia Ocampo, Teresa Galang, RN (Phil)

Pharmacy: Marissa Olmos Nurse-In Charge, Pharmacy Assistants; Nancy San Pedro, Jesusa Calanog, Susana Sarangaya, Nona Lopez (Phil), Delfin Edralin, Ramon De LunaLogistics: Marietta Santos, Local Coordinator, Maria Mamawal (Vice Chair), Reynaldo Alejandro (Media & Press Officer), Leus Perlas (Administrator) 

All unused surgical and medical supplies were donated to Gov. R.G.Ablan Sr. Memorial Hospital, Ospital Ng Makati, Malacanang Clinic, San Jose City Health Office, Community and Family Services International, Bethel Evangelists Church Laoag, City, Basic Ecclesial Community Association of the Philippines and others. Total value of medicines from Catholic Medical Mission Board, Interchurch Medical Mission Assistance, St. Luke’s Hospital (Phil), Unilab Philippines and FAMI Medical purchases exceeded half million dollars.

FAMI also donated equipments; bovie machine and pulse oximeter, suction machine at Ospital Ng Makati. Additionally EKG machine and surgical supplies (small instruments and sutures) have been shipped for FAMI to be donated to the Philippine Heart Center.

2001 - 3rd Medical Mission 

FAMI 3rd SURGICAL & MEDICAL MISSION was successfully held on February 3 to 16, 2001 in the Republic of the Philippines. In cooperation with the Knights of Malta, Two Hearts Foundation at Quezon City General Hospital, Pampanga Flood Relief, Governor Carmencita Reyes Provincial General Hospital – Charity Patients (Marinduque), Asilo Orphanage with the Knights of Malta in Manila and EDSA Shrine. Our local coordinator is Marietta Santos who was also FAMI Humanitarian Award Recipient.

FAMI performed 26 major Surgeries in Quezon City General Hospital and Marinduque Provincial Hospital. It also examined and dispensed medicines to more than 5,000 medical patients from Pampanga, Quezon City, Manila and Marindugue. Our team members included: James Beckman, MD, Adoracion Estanislao, MD, Andrew Lee, MD, Niles Perlas, CRNA (Chair), Linda Kamal, MD, Amir Sitafalwalla, MD, Michael Castellano, MD Joshua Miranda, MD, Jeffrey Brande, MD, James Norris, MD, Bernadette Miranda RN, Benedicta Muldong (Treasurer), RN, Marissa Olmos, RN, Kevin Pittman, RN, Patricia Ramos, RN, Lorna Ramos, CPT, Natalie Trezza RN, Lisa Pompei, RN, Chelly Ridon, Filipina Ridon, RN, Sharifa Sitafalwalla, Motoko Norris, Reynaldo Alejandro (Documentarian), Teresita Laforteza (Board) Romey Reyes, Maria Mamawal (Vice Chair) Leus Perlas (Administrator).

 Our local medical teams included: Marietta Santos (FAMI Local Coordinator) Jess Comedido, MD, Pamfila Quiazon RN, Lita and Popo De Leon, Benjie Mamawal, Karen Quiazon, Demi Mayo, Mike Gomez (Office of the President)

Local Participants: Mari Tuazon, Noni Almeniana, Ronie Albao, Rommel Garcia, Oliver Batalid, Jess Comedido MD, Delfin Edralin, Ding Perez, Tess Contreraz, Valen Mamawal Valdez

FAMI brought with it 40 Balikbayan Boxes of medicines and surgical supplies worth close to $250,000 for the mission.  All unused supplies were donated to the local hospitals and clinics.  Additionally FAMI purchased Fifteen Thousand Pesos of Thyroxine for Marinduque Provincial Hospital for the patients that we were unable to operate because of the time constrain. FAMI individual members also gave from their personal funds to help a malnourished child received blood and TPN. 

2000 - 2nd Medical Mission

Jan 30 to Feb 8, 2000,  - FAMI  with Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko Foundation performed thirty surgeries and provided medicines for 258 medical patients at the Ilocos Training & Regional Medical Center in the City of San Fernando, La Union and a day surgery at Rizal Medical Center, Pasig Metro Manila.   The mission team included:  Dr.J Danilo Miranda, General Surgery, Dr. L. Gayle, Plastic & Reconstructive, Dr. M. Lee, Orthopedic, Dr. J. Beckman, Anesthesia, Dr. D. Lee, Anesthesia, Niles Perlas, Anesthesia  Maria Mamawal, Natalie Trezza, RN, Pam Messina, RN, Rosemarie Mastrandrea ST, Amy Piguerra, RN, Miriam Kho RN, Tess Laforteza, Leus Perlas, Debra Gayle, Bernadette Miranda RN, Denise Verni, PA, Christina Verni.

Operations performed were cheiloplasty, palatoplasty, thyroidectomy, modified radical mastectomy, release of burn contracture, IM nailing, wiring left femur, flap left leg and STSG to burn areas of the leg and others. FAMI also donated surgical, medical supplies to ITRMC and Office of Vice President, Republic of the Philippines..  Dr. Llyod Gayle donated two tissue expanders to ITRMC and PGH through the Office of VP.

The Philippine Associates - Ed Manda & Staff, Patsie Leviste, Pamphie Quiazon RN Technical Advisors: Dr. Ramiro Cadag (US)

1999 - 1st Medical Mission

May 30 to June 5, 1999, Alay-Bayan Medical Mission is FAMI's first project conducted in Metro Manila, Philippines.  During the mission , actual surgeries were done on thirty-two patients of the Jonelta Foundation of Perpetual Help Medical Center, Las Pinas City and of the Rizal Medical Center, Pasig City.  Operations performed were excision biopsy of the breast, cholecystectomy, thyroidectomy, cheiloplasty, rhinoplasty, I & D abscess of the face, excision of recurrent thyroglossal duct cyst, herniorrhaphy, orchiopexy, excision of rectal polyps and hemorrhoidectomy.

The 1999 Alay-Bayan Medical Mission has been adopted as a component of the Medical Mission Program of Vice President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo of the Republic of the Philippines.

The mission team included: US Based Team- Dr. Azra Rezwi, Dr. Giuseppe Ascoli, Dr. Chris Edmonds, Niles Perlas CRNA, Maria Mamawal, Terry Bernabe CRNA, Bennie Muldong CNOR, Penny Saulog CCRN-CPAN, Crispina Nabua RN, Rowena Almendral RN, Tessie La Forteza and Leus Perlas. Philippine Associates - Ed Manda & Staff, Josee Mayo, Pamphie Quiazon RN, Joseph Quinto RN, Aida Mudlong RN  Technical Advisors  Dr. Ramiro Cadag (US) and Dr Dickey Tiongco (Phil)

Indeed the eyes of my heart were opened to the needs of our  people which are overwhelming but FAMI gave us a new day and a new opportunity of leadership through service.” 

Angelica Cu, RN  2002

I’ll have tender memories 

of the baby I saw 

who had congenital bilateral inguinal hernia 

repaired by our caring surgeons and anesthesiologists. 

This is really a wonderful teamwork. “

Silva Toledo PA, San Diego California 2002

“you know, the important thing is

 that you do what you can – and  if everyone does just a little  together we can really get something done.” 

I think that is the spirit of this mission that we should 

all remember when we get frustrated – if everyone can do what they can – then we can really do something."  

Andrew Lee, MD 2001

What I can say is while I don’t think our 

efforts will change the world, I am 

happy to have changed the lives of a few.”  

Natalie Trezza, RN 2000