By Fr. Randy Figuracion, SDB
Cebu, Philippines, November 29, 2015 - The Don Bosco Past Pupils of Lawaan (DBPPOL) held a Medical Mission on November 29, 2015 at the Don Bosco Formation Center, Lawaan, Talisay City - Cebu. The activity was coordinated by Mr. John Calo, the President of the DBPPOL along with its recent batch of officers. The members of the DBPPOL are the alumni of the former Don Bosco Missionary Seminary which used to be a High School Aspirantate but closed down in 2005 and paved a way for a new batch of college aspirants as what it is today.
This annual event was held in cooperation with the local government of Baragay Lawaan through the instrumentality of Barangay Captain Joel Cabo. Through his social workers, the poorest and those in need of medical attention among his constituents were identified and given ticket stabs for them to avail of the free medical check-up. The activity was able to serve 285 patients with a good number of senior citizens and pediatric patients among them. Around 197 packs containing two kilos of rice with noodles were also distributed along with free medicines.
The medical team was coordinated by Dr. Alex Junia from batch 85 who is a cardiologist and the current President of the Philippine Heart Association (PHA). Among the services offered during the medical mission were medical consultations, pediatric clearance and referrals, glucose test, blood pressure examination, ECG and medical ultrasound.
Don Bosco Missionary Seminary since its establishment on December 8, 1976 has had several alumni coming from the medical profession. Others are into law, banking and the teaching profession. Though it made a major transition from High School to College with the establishment of Don Bosco Formation Center that caters to the aspirants of the Philippine South Province – FIS, it continues the legacy of forming Bosconians who can make a difference in Philippine society. Next year, it will celebrate 40th anniversary of its foundation. Its greatest contribution yet are the priests and missionaries it has produced for the Salesian Congregation.
