October 9, 2009 – Friday, Bauan, Batangas – The rains poured heavily the night before our mission. I was in silent prayer asking the Lord to clear the skies for the two thousand residents of the three largest barangays of Bauan in the province of Batangas. Before the sun rises 'quarter to half' the Manghinao mountains, the rains stopped dispensing and we were able to set up the vocation venue. 45 tables, 250 durable chairs and a large "L shaped" scaffold canopy and three classrooms were set. The crowd came 30 minutes after we fixed the venue and the rains showered our patients a little more. I thought we were going to postpone the mission but God has His ways of granting the wishes of those who believe.
Dr. Victor Bejer, Head of the Municipal Health Office came earliest with his MHO staff of doctors, pharmacists, volunteers and assistants. He also brought with him 6 boxes of assorted medicines for the mission. The Bauan Doctor's Hospital nurses and volunteers came next then Bauan Medical Society and the Bauan General Hospital nurses. There were at least 60 volunteers in Manghinao Proper Elementary School who shared their Medical and Dental expertise and 90 more who assisted the doctors and dentists. The Provincial Health Office came a little late but was able to supply 6 boxes of Medicines for the residents of Bauan, many of which were also sequestered by PHO back to their office after the mission. 
Students joyfully watch us prepare as they sing in harmony a song from 'ASIN' album, "Kapaligiran", which was obviously rehearsed to enthuse AG&PFI team and incoming guests.
Added Services 
Papsmear is one of the most important examination a woman should have on regularly basis. It is a test that can prevent invasive cancer of the womb. Unfortunately, like most medical tests, 100% accuracy can not be claimed but if a woman present herself regularly for testing (preferably annually) the likelihood of her developing invasive cancer of the womb is very slight. It is a life saving procedure! There are different types of womb cancers:
Cancer of the cervix (cervical cancer), mouth of the womb. Also known by its scientific name; cervical carcinoma.
Cancer of the body of the womb (corpus cancer, endometrial cancer). The scientific name is endometrial carcinoma.
Rare types for example muscle cancers known scientifically as sarcomas.
It is important to understand that the 'papsmeer' is only reliable in the diagnosis of cancer of the mouth of the womb, but the latter is the most common type of womb cancer 
The 'Papsmeer' check up and testing were AG&PFI added services for patients incorporated with the Medical and Dental mission. 45 females were benefited from barangays San Roque, Manghinao Proper and Manghinao Uno. Each Pap test lasted for 15 minutes and all were given professional advises by volunteer doctors and free medicines by AG&PFI.
"I wanted to know if I have cancer or not! I will fly to Japan next month and this free check up will clear my mind from thoughts of overlooked ailments. I can not pay for expensive medical exams like this. Mabuti na lang libre ito. Thanks to Chairman Boy Abraham for giving me a stub", a patient said during an interview. 
"I am a mother of three, my husband is in New Caledonia sent by AG&P, I have barely enough money to buy food and medicine so Papsmeer is last in my list of priorities but I know I need this. Thanks to Barangay Captain Leo R. Salcedo, I was able to avail of these tests and free medicines!" said an alias 'Marina' from San Roque, Bauan.
"Sus!!! Dalaga pa po ako. May edad na lang (47 years old single). Eh kwan kasi… Libre kasi at palaging may UTI ako kaya gusto ko sanang magpa Pap-Smear test", a lady from Manghinao Uno explained pointing on her private part. She usually develops urinary track infections which doctors fail to succinctly explain. This was her only way to avail of free 'papsmeer' test thanks to Manghinao Uno Chairman Romel Basilan.
Foster Wheeler Ex-Pat wives joins Mission
Inez Bly, Lynne Burke and Keely Muse, wives of AG&P Clients, Foster Wheeler Project joined the mission and were assigned to key responding units particularly with OBgyne, General Medicines and Pedia clinics. Ms. Muse on the other hand became ambassador of goodwill to AG&PFI and Foster Wheeler where she tenaciously walked, talked and socialized with people easing the burdens of waiting from long lines and pains from teeth extractions. The three foreign volunteers touched the hearts of each parent, teacher and child thus inspiring hope and altruism through this mission.
The patients hurriedly fell in line to avail of Foster Wheeler's assistance, seeing new faces and white skins in the mission were not too often. "Dito na lang kami pipila kasi sosyal!" exclaimed a patient as she squeeze in line with her 1 year old daughter.
Services
The most ministered clinic was the Pedia close to 700 children were treated, examined and given aid. General Medicine and Surgery came next followed by EENT and other physical and internal complaints. The Dental procedures were done in two classrooms adding up to at least 150 recorded (with stub) extractions and approximately 100 unregistered walk-ins. The patients were given free anesthesia, medicines and anti-biotics on their way home. The Pap-Smear examinations with medical referrals and take home medications were introduced for the first time by AG&PFI to the community.
The Missionaries
In cooperation with the Atlantic, Gulf and Pacific Company of Manila, Inc., BHFY Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Municipal Health Office, Philippine National Red Cross, Bauan Medical Society, Batangas Dental and Bauan Dental Societies, Bauan Doctor's Hospital, Bauan General Hospital, Dr. Hornilla's team of Dentists, Regional Health Units, Municipal Social Welfare Office, Provincial Health Office, Foster Wheeler wives, Barangay Health workers and walk-in Volunteers counting to 230, AG&PFI's Medical, Dental and Papsmeer Mission successfully attended to 2045 below par of three major barangays of Bauan, Batangas. (Ben S. Aclan)
Papsmear is one of the most important examination a woman should have on regularly basis. It is a test that can prevent invasive cancer of the womb. Unfortunately, like most medical tests, 100% accuracy can not be claimed but if a woman present herself regularly for testing (preferably annually) the likelihood of her developing invasive cancer of the womb is very slight. It is a life saving procedure! There are different types of womb cancers:
Cancer of the cervix (cervical cancer), mouth of the womb. Also known by its scientific name; cervical carcinoma.
Cancer of the body of the womb (corpus cancer, endometrial cancer). The scientific name is endometrial carcinoma.
Rare types for example muscle cancers known scientifically as sarcomas.
It is important to understand that the 'papsmeer' is only reliable in the diagnosis of cancer of the mouth of the womb, but the latter is the most common type of womb cancer 
The 'Papsmeer' check up and testing were AG&PFI added services for patients incorporated with the Medical and Dental mission. 45 females were benefited from barangays San Roque, Manghinao Proper and Manghinao Uno. Each Pap test lasted for 15 minutes and all were given professional advises by volunteer doctors and free medicines by AG&PFI.
"I wanted to know if I have cancer or not! I will fly to Japan next month and this free check up will clear my mind from thoughts of overlooked ailments. I can not pay for expensive medical exams like this. Mabuti na lang libre ito. Thanks to Chairman Boy Abraham for giving me a stub", a patient said during an interview. 
"I am a mother of three, my husband is in New Caledonia sent by AG&P, I have barely enough money to buy food and medicine so Papsmeer is last in my list of priorities but I know I need this. Thanks to Barangay Captain Leo R. Salcedo, I was able to avail of these tests and free medicines!" said an alias 'Marina' from San Roque, Bauan.
"Sus!!! Dalaga pa po ako. May edad na lang (47 years old single). Eh kwan kasi… Libre kasi at palaging may UTI ako kaya gusto ko sanang magpa Pap-Smear test", a lady from Manghinao Uno explained pointing on her private part. She usually develops urinary track infections which doctors fail to succinctly explain. This was her only way to avail of free 'papsmeer' test thanks to Manghinao Uno Chairman Romel Basilan.
Foster Wheeler Ex-Pat wives joins Mission
Inez Bly, Lynne Burke and Keely Muse, wives of AG&P Clients, Foster Wheeler Project joined the mission and were assigned to key responding units particularly with OBgyne, General Medicines and Pedia clinics. Ms. Muse on the other hand became ambassador of goodwill to AG&PFI and Foster Wheeler where she tenaciously walked, talked and socialized with people easing the burdens of waiting from long lines and pains from teeth extractions. The three foreign volunteers touched the hearts of each parent, teacher and child thus inspiring hope and altruism through this mission.
The patients hurriedly fell in line to avail of Foster Wheeler's assistance, seeing new faces and white skins in the mission were not too often. "Dito na lang kami pipila kasi sosyal!" exclaimed a patient as she squeeze in line with her 1 year old daughter.
Services
The most ministered clinic was the Pedia close to 700 children were treated, examined and given aid. General Medicine and Surgery came next followed by EENT and other physical and internal complaints. The Dental procedures were done in two classrooms adding up to at least 150 recorded (with stub) extractions and approximately 100 unregistered walk-ins. The patients were given free anesthesia, medicines and anti-biotics on their way home. The Pap-Smear examinations with medical referrals and take home medications were introduced for the first time by AG&PFI to the community.
The Missionaries
In cooperation with the Atlantic, Gulf and Pacific Company of Manila, Inc., BHFY Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Municipal Health Office, Philippine National Red Cross, Bauan Medical Society, Batangas Dental and Bauan Dental Societies, Bauan Doctor's Hospital, Bauan General Hospital, Dr. Hornilla's team of Dentists, Regional Health Units, Municipal Social Welfare Office, Provincial Health Office, Foster Wheeler wives, Barangay Health workers and walk-in Volunteers counting to 230, AG&PFI's Medical, Dental and Papsmeer Mission successfully attended to 2045 below par of three major barangays of Bauan, Batangas. (Ben S. Aclan)
