A Noble Cause with St. Luke’s Medical Center

“Blood is life in existence as ‘Soul’ is essence giving life, therefore Blood is ‘life giving’ Soul” Aristotle (A syllogism on realism) However we contend with Aristotle’s premises, contemporary epoch will tell that without blood man can not exist. This is how AG&P looks at the blood letting & donation campaigns relevantly. The blood letting campaign is an AG&P obligation aimed to minister our host communities and most especially our employees, not to mention those ‘john and jane do’s’ in need. 102 registered to voluntarily make a contribution recently, April 27, 2011, 65 were actually extracted from MITC, GSD, AG&PFI, TWS, Engr’r, In-house, PEM, PAD, HRD, Time keeping, PSD, MPCoop, DCC, QC, SubCon, Safety, Clinic. AG&P Managers Dr. Michael Lim Cayetano, Chris L. Cabildo, Leopoldo R. Salcedo and Ernesto P. Morales earliest came to be extracted boosting morale to 102 others. St. Luke’s Medical Center (SLMC) arrived at 9AM in great surprise to see the extended lines of donors in the AG&P Foundation building. St Luke’s Dra. Laila was overwhelmed to see how AG&P nobled the tradition in life-gift giving and was apprehensive to announce that they brought insufficient blood containers to accommodate everyone. SLMC admitted that their experience proved them wrong to presume lesser turn over in Batangas. They thought that AG&P would hardly invite more than 50 donors due to proximity and it being an industry business unlined with CSRs and soft orientations. Everyone was expecting to be served but the scarcity of materials held the entire half in suspended waiting. To those who waited patiently, SLMC pledged to return with more blood containers and extra dense blood bags. The activity was so inspiring that even with hoops and flaws people still supported the blood letting and donation programs of AG&P and AG&PFI. And for whatever reason, personal or community cent, voluntarism and cooperation still eulogized the soft heart of industrialization in Batangas. They keep coming back to donate more and to donate regularly. AG&P moved other ‘like businesses’ to charity as seen in the most recent PNRC and PEZA, for 2010-2011, nobility commendations where the latter received the Most Outstanding Blood Donor in the province of Batangas and Philippine’s Most Outstanding Community Projects awards. (Ben S. Aclan)

AG&P donates 2,500 Books to Children

This year, 2011, the AG&P Company of Manila Foundation, Inc., looks deeper into mass coaching being promoted by the Department of Education, under circular no. 433 series of 2011, campaigning to indemnify children ages 5 and above to receive better shares in education through ‘book driven’ and ‘I-I child literacy’ programs (Individual Instruction). Two institutions benefited in the AG&PFI and RCM-BATS literacy campaigns, the Divine Care Christian School of Bauan, Inc. and the Barangay Bagong Silangan - Susanna Hall/Payatas A&B Quezon City Library. Reverend Pedro M. Aranda, School Administrator depicts DCCSB, Inc. as a ‘four door apartment type’ Christian School in Manghinao Proper, Bauan, Batangas with 38 auspicious students. The school is being sustained by donations coming from community sponsors and Christian brothers and sisters. 50% of the students are scholars. Scholars, to DCCSB, Inc., are students from low wage or no wage earning families who pay nothing for education. DCCSB, Inc. lacks the means to infrastructure and educational paraphernalia. They don’t even have a library or set of reference/text books for daily instructions. Students share paperbacks to facilitate edification. How miserable the school may seem, AG&P found light in the faces of the teachers, hosts and students amidst destitution. Rev. Aranda foresees at least 50 more scholars to enroll from underprivileged families by June 2011. Just recently AG&P Company of Manila Foundation, Inc and The Rotary Club of Makati, Inc – Books Across the Seas surprised the Christian minister with 500 new children’s books to fit the book shelves AG&P also donated. Quantity matters? Does it really? Still April 2011, AG&P Vice-President for Finance and Administration, Marcial P. Morales Jr. handed through Ben S. Aclan, AG&P Community Relation Manager, 2000 assorted hard and soft bounded books for Barangay Bagong Silangan Library represented by its Barangay Captain Chrisell ‘Beng’ Beltran and Bro Arnold Antipado for the Couples for Christ Ministry. The annual commitment of AG&P VP MP Morales Jr. to share his blessings to the needy moved AG&P and AG&PFI to solicit from RCM-BATS reference materials for the young Filipinos of barangay Bagong Silangan. Books in Mathematics, Science, English & Language, Pros and Poetry, Music, Social Sciences, Economy, Literature, quiz hand outs and teaching instructions comprised the 34 bundled boxes delivered. 8 shelves in the BS Susanna Hall needed to be filled with books to accommodate at least 10,000 pupil residents of Barangay Bagong Silangan to down hill Payatas A and B. With the initial 2000 books for the three lowland area barangays of Quezon City, children will now find time to read and be learned. They will have more access to new local and imported books thus develop better habits to learning.

VICTOR ANGLO

“Gin makes my life complete”

Francisco “Rudy” Villanueva – AG&P Warehouseman – “My father-in-law was addicted to Gin (liquor). He never knew what’s coming. Now he is in agony and I can’t do anything to stop the pain”

The time Mr. Anglo visited Dr. Michael Cayetano was the day AG&PFI was recuperating the loss of a cancer patient from Gulibay, Bauan, Batangas who the foundation assisted for several months before demise.

Victor Anglo, a 54 year old, ex-AG&P warehouseman, father to three (Jimmy, Jennifer and Jason), an ex-barangay councilor for 8 years of Manghinao, Bauan, Batangas and a good provider to Mrs. Teodora the wife, was diagnose with unknown cause of weaker bones, diabetes, multiple organ disorder and a incised patient on cholecystectomy.

Around the later months of 2010, Victor was diagnosed by Dr. Berberabe of the St. Patrick’s Hospital to have stones in the bladder. According to Dr. Berberabe, Anglo’s pain in the abdomen was caused by cuts on the contracting walls of the bladder from sharp edges of calcifying stones inside his body. This has to be extracted through cholecystectomy - a surgical removal of the gallbladder.

It is the most common method for treating symptomatic gallstones and a major abdominal surgery in which the surgeon removes the gallbladder through a 5-7 inch incision. Patients usually remain in the hospital overnight and may require several additional weeks to recover at home.

How much did Mr. Victor Anglo spend for the operation? P75,000.00 plus. How the family gathered the money to pay for the operation was already miracle to them because Victor already sold almost everything he had a year before the operation. He was a total bankrupt and a dissolved patient.

Three years ago, Victor had two huge houses in Bucal, Manghinao, Bauan, Batangas. He supported three children, his children’s children, children’s schooling and daily groceries. He was well respected for his outstanding community services being a popular barangay councilor and adviser to tanods (local security unit). His equity to popularity was his generosity. He was known to be a great host and a good compatriot (magaling makisama).

He always had time to give any gentleman a toss for a glass of tonic and gin. The routine made him addicted to liquor.

2009, sudden green liquid spurred from his anus, followed by unbearable abdominal pains, which held Victor aback and made him bed ridden for several weeks. At first, Victor was too proud to go to the doctor. He was even prouder to accept his illness. He preferred consulting with quack doctors. After all measures were exhausted Mr. Anglo decided to consult a physician.

He spent "a lot" finding impossible cures for his ailment. He practically lost everything in self medications and travels. By the time he went to Dr. Berberabe, he was already broke and anguishing. Anglo could not literally stand up anymore.

His wife, Teodora, worked days and nights hopping from one market to another, to and from open side streets selling “kakanin” (street food) to sustain Victor’s medication. But Teodora’s futile quests to augment expenses were not enough for Victor's Bladder operation. She then resolved to beg for both food and medical assistance from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes (PCSO), government medical institutions, co-government employees and politicians.

Victor's last straw, finally, was to undergo cholecystectomy which afterwards only worsened his abdominal pains. Whether from the operation or his attitude, Anglo was diminishing faith in self and the Lord.

Francisco “Rudy” Villanueva, son-in-law to Victor, an active AG&P warehouseman, in their frustration, decided to approach the AG&P Company of Manila Foundation, Inc. as a last recourse. BEN S. ACLAN, Community Relation Manager and Marketing and Information Manager, accommodated Rudy by appointing Shirley Alialy (Assistant CRD) and Rosulo Carag (ComRel Supervisor) to assist in whatever means.

Dr. Michael Cayetano, AG&P Physician, immediately invited Mr. Anglo to the AG&P Satellite clinic for a check up then followed by series of consultations and medical assessment for days. Medicines like Mefenemic Acids, Glimmer (Glimmerite), Norizel, Vitamins and the like were given to the patient for free by the foundation. Regular counseling was also facilitated by AG&PFI to help the patient surpass any psychological anguish.

The AG&PFI, through Dr. Michael Cayetano, endorsed Mr. Anglo and Rudy to Senator Pia Cayetano to the Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center. The foundation has to be in the senate several times just to meet the honorable senator to discuss the patient’s condition. The foundation was not relenting in following up with the Public Assistance Office and HIMEX of JRRMMC so that Mr. Victor Anglo would be able to smoothly process documentations without delay in his medical tests.

Senator Pia Ceyetano openly gave a guarantee letter amounting to P12,000.00 to Mr. Anglo for clinical MRI and CITISCAN. His clinical check-up and tests with the JRRMMC served well to discover cures for his ailments.

After several weeks of continuous check up with AG&PFI, AG&P Clinic and Dr. Michael Cayetano, Mr. Anglo recovered weight and was able to move freely without much pain in the abdomen and bones.

What was fascinating about the story was how Mr. Anglo fought the deadly addiction to his vice. Being Alcoholic to gin brought the patient misery physically, morally and spiritually.

AG&PFI supports those in need and in most desperate times… AG&P changes lives.

AG&PFI signs MOA with Rotary Club of Makati Heather Kinross Center for Skills training

After being awarded as the Most Outstanding Club-Overall in D3830, The Rotary Club of Makati sprung forward in eulogy over another skills livelihood project sponsored by the Heather Kinross Center (HKC). The aim is to educate eight (8) young Out-of-school-youth from their adopted Gawad Kalinga communities in Villa Paraiso, Parañaque City to Welding and Pipefitting in the southern part of the country, Batangas. Mr, Renato M. Alarcon, AG&PFI Executive Director and Ben S. Aclan Marketing and Information Manager, attended the regular RCM 3830 meeting at the Hotel Peninsula in Makati, on June 15, 2010, to meet with all the members of the Rotary Club of Makati. Greeted by Rtn Dean Velasco, also Chairman of the Heather Kinross Committee, Mr. Benjie Aclan signed amidst the entire school of committees the formal alliance between RCM and AG&PFI. The partnership between the AG&P Company of Manila Foundation, Inc and Rotary Club of Makati-Heather Kinross Center was sealed by a Memorandum of Agreement binding both to the program and each selected trainee. For taking the Heather Kinross Center to new heights with training and employment programs Rtn. Dean Velasco was awarded RCM leadership distinctions. The credit was attributed to the success of HKC Commercial Cooking Course with the Asian F&B Center and TESDA and the Basic Welding Program that graduated 3 groups of trainees just recently. Still swinging to get appraisal, the HKC partnered with the Atlantic, Gulf Company of Manila Inc., through AG&PFI, to develop their newly graduates one step up in Welding and skills advancement. The Flux Cord Arc Welding (FCAW), an upgrade course from Shielded Metal Arc Welding and SMAW 6G position in pipe welding, were Mr. Dean Velasco’s urgent focus. English proficiency, engineering designs reading, symbols interpretations, math and safety education were highlighted subjects the partners expect to emphasize in the new syllabi. AG&P being a fabrication yard, with 110 years of world quality experience would bring RCM graduates to a better place to compete commercially in Welding and Pipe Fitting aside from the better chance in finding employment thereto. A closer look into a brighter future of the Villa Paraiso, Gawad Kalinga OSY scholars, under the guidance of AG&PFI, would make HKC fulfilled in their quest to deliver services and education worthily. The trainings are expected to commence on July this year.

PATIENT SEEKS AG&PFI HELP

January 26, 2010 – AG&P Compound – San Roque, Bauan, Batangas – On an invitation by Barangay Councilor and AG&P Warehouse Supervisor Juan U. Magboo to AG&PFI Executive Director Renato M. Alarcon, The AG&P Company of Manila Foundation Inc. visited the residence of a certain Mr. Hermando Villamor, 64, single of #18 Sitio 1, Barangay Gulibay, Bauan, Batangas to find the patient worthy of immediate attention and financial assistance. The request by Councilor Juan Magboo to assist Mr. Villamor was based on compassion after seeing the patient desolated by pain anguishing from a pouching avocado like lymph on his left ear hedge which looked like a lymphoma. With the benefit of a doubt, Juan Magboo sought counsel through Mr. Alarcon so they may subject the patient to thorough check-up to determine his ailment and immediately deter the contamination, if there was any. “I recall, gazing at the wound, seeing discharges and drips of beige colored liquids I reckon to be ‘pus’” Mr. Ben S. Aclan, Community Relation’s Manager recollected when asked. Pus is a whitish-yellow, yellow or yellow-brown exudate produced by vertebrates during inflammatory pyogenic bacterial infections. An accumulation of pus in an enclosed tissue space is known as an abscess, while a visible collection of pus within or beneath the epidermis is known as a pustule or pimple. Pus is produced from the dead and living cells which travel into the intercellular spaces around the affected cells. On January 29, 2010, AG&PFI Executive Director R.M. Alarcon, sent another team to invite Mr. Hermando Villamor to seek professional help from Atlantic, Gulf & Pacific Company of Manila, Inc. Physician Dr. Mike Cayetano and Bauan Municipal Health Officer (MHO), Victor Bejer. Dr. Victor Bejer showed AG&PFI and Juan Magboo a picture of a lymph node Cancer brought about by smoking. Bejer had been sponsoring seminars on the bad effects of smoking for ten (10) years now. His father died of Cancer and he vouched to inform everyone of the menace so that this may be prevented or cured in the earliest find of a symptom. Although this was the first actual living-case Dr. Bejer had ever witness, he assumed that the inflamed or enlarged various conditions were caused by prolonged smoking coupled by habitual drinking. He told AG&PFI that he can not rule out with definitive medical expertness the condition of the patient unless a complete diagnose has been accomplished by the Philippine General Hospital or qualified Doctor. A biopsy is one concluding exam we can all rely on at the moment. Batangas has no adequate equipment or expertise to determine his actual medical condition. Lymphoma is a cancer that begins in the lymphocytes of the immune system and presents as a solid tumor of lymphoid cells. These malignant cells often originate in lymph nodes, presenting as an enlargement of the node (a tumor). Dr. Michael Cayetano, AG&P Physician, recommended that the patient be brought to Manila as soon as possible for immediate treatment followed by medical check-ups. In the meantime, Cayetano nursed the wound twice and cleansed the abrasions to contain the infections which were visibly inflaming. Executive Director RM Alarcon awarded relief goods containing assorted food products like soups, noodles, coffees, 8 kilos of rice and canned goods. Cottons, pillows and bed sheets, a bed foam, bath soaps, liquid and detergent soaps, rubber gloves, disinfectants, betadines, shampoos, toothpastes, deodorants and many others were also given to the patient. Ivy Mendoza, Municipal Health Nurse accompanied the AG&PFI team to bring the patient back to his abode. The family was assembled together with the Barangay Captain and some public officials on a forum created to discuss plans for Mr. Villamor. “I don’t have the strength to travel anymore. I am willing to wait for and face my Creator”, as tears shed from Hermando’s face. AG&PFI supervisor for community relations Roldan Anunciado promptly said that everything will be alright and the foundation will be his strength as long as he remains steadfast. Anunciado assured the family of Villamor that AG&PFI will do its part in collating help for the family but they themselves have to unite and firm-up a decision to care for Mr. Villamor primarily before anything else. They must decide soon if they want to send Mang Hermando to PGH or not and again poised help anytime they call upon AG&P Company of Manila Foundation, Inc.

Philippine Airforce joins AG&PFI in tree planting.

'Kalayaan Heights' in San Agustin, Bauan Batangas was recently declared as deforested mountain by the CENRO after series of inspections were made following the decline in foliage and tourism thereat. The once known Kalayaan valleys were havens for camping by tourists and locals, peak for mountaineers and favorite Boys & Girl Scouts of the Philippines jamboree spot. Local officials blame the exploitation of Kalayaan heights to have greatly affected 'flora and fauna' which led to the decrease in the count of trees as well as reproduction of seedlings for reforestation. Cenro retracts otherwise by saying that we cannot entirely put the blame on these accounts. About a million of fruit bearing and shady trees were unaccounted for this year passing El Niño phenomenon and force majure' from 2004 to 2009. Disconcerted significantly was tourism and the local economy of Bauan, focusing on the "poor tourism earning locals" of San Agustin and nearby barangays. The loss, CENRO says, could not be finger pointed to anyone, any human in this case, but on nature's ferocity and environment's reactions to climate changes. The tropical flux in Kalayaan Heights expected evolution before 2011 but came too soon, CENRO added. The AG&P Company of Manila Foundation, Inc. in cooperation with the Philippine Air Force jointly conducted a "Save Kalayaan Heights Movement" tree planting operations just recently to augment the declining tourism in Batangas. The move was to bring back the grandeur of San Agustin Kalayaan Heights in the soonest time so that eco-tourism and its exquisiteness return. 500 trees were donated by AG&PFI through the auspices of Marketing and Information Manager (Community Relation's Manager) Ben S. Aclan to the PAF of Fernando Airbase who planted them through four (4) battalions headed by the following charge officers; LTC Salathan C. Ypulong PAF, OIC, 3rd AFRCEN Maj. Arnold R. Bagamaspad PAF, Ex-O, 2Lt. Marlon M. Senon PAF, Admin Officer MSg Ignacio H. Gobres Jr. Sgt Major of AFRCEN. 2lt Ramon C. Narte PAFR MSg Benigno Lopez TSg Rico M. Maya SSg Ramil Villavicencio AIC Ernie T. Malujie AIC Ronald H. Silva AIC Hildnest Write Llanes A1C Renie Manalo The rehabilitation of Kalayaan heights was also supported by seven (7) barangay captains of Bauan who expressly showed espousal to the principles of the program and actually helped plant Mahogany trees in 'K' peak. Brgy Captain of Manalupang, Mely D. Castillo, San Agustin, Loreto C. Dimayacyac, Rizal, William M. Buenviaje, Sta. Maria, Jose Restie B. Agena, Durungao, Marciano A. Abante, Pitugo, Joseph G. Cepillo and San Roque, Leopoldo R. Salcedo joined AG&PFI and PAF in the actual planting of Mahogany trees in the side of Kalayaan mountains and vouched utmost protection and caring for the trees. AG&PFI, PAF and the Municipality of Bauan jointly adopted Kalayaan Heights as their sponsored mountain for the next five to ten years from today.

MEDICAL & DENTAL MISSION 3 (Pap-Smear (papsmeer extra tune)

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)