Yesterday, during the third health screening for this year, Deveyra recalled how their group started the volunteer service with the Philippine Consulate General Office, the Philippine Overseas Labor Office and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.
The team comprised eight medical professionals — nurses and pharmacists — at that time.
Deveyra and Ernie Molina remain part of the team’s core group.
“This is a testament to the commitment of the Filipinos to their fellow Filipinos,” Consul General Medardo G. Macaraig said.
Macaraig, who assumed his post last month, said he was elated with how the Filipino community, especially the CHC medical volunteers and the Hardt Eye Clinic staff, have been providing the free services.
“They sacrifice their leisure time,” he added.
Ariel Nodado and Joy Oblea, medical volunteers since last year, said they have to adjust their schedule to serve their fellow Filipino workers on island.
“Instead of going to church in the morning I just attend the Mass in the afternoon,” Nodado said.
He is satisfied with his volunteer work, which includes advising workers to switch to a healthier lifestyle.
According to Oblea, “We don’t expect anything in return. We are just grateful that the consulate recognizes our efforts.”
Macaraig said he was happy with the turnout of the health screening which drew scores of workers.
As of 9:30 a.m., there were already 299 who had availed of the blood pressure/sugar examination while 47 had undergone vision check-ups.
The medical examinations were conducted on the ground floor of Marianas Business Plaza Building and ended at 12 noon.
