The Mercy Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy just recently completed a two-part mission for Pacific Partnership 2015 in the Philippines. Mercy first arrived in Roxas City, Capiz on July 20 and finished on August 01. It finished its mission in the country after completing its second set of humanitarian projects in Olonggapo, Angeles and Pangasinan.
Joining the Mercy were 9 volunteers from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints composed of doctors, nurses and therapists led by team leader Larry Hogge with his wife, Shaun Hogge. Mike Hughes, representing LDS Charities from the US, came back to the Philippines to continue the service he started two years ago when he was on board the Mercy helping with projects in Samar, Leyte.
George Kenneth Lee, LDS Charities project manager from the Philippines and in-country representative who did ground work and coordination efforts with the Pacific Partnership helped coordinate with active duty US navy and army personnel, Mormon Helping Hands and Church ecclesiastical leaders in the distribution and donation of medical supplies and school and hygiene kits to different hospitals, city health centers, rural health units and public schools.
Mormon Helping Hands volunteers from Roxas City, Olonggapo, Angeles City, Pangasinan and La Union assisted on the ground by repacking medical supplies, school and hygiene kits donated by LDS Charities, the humanitarian arm of the Church.
In partnership with LDS Charities and Mormon Helping Hands, Pacific Partnership engagements in Roxas City and Central Luzon area were the following:
Capiz
Repacking of medical kits by Mormon Helping Hands volunteers and donation of these supplies to the Province of Capiz. The kits contained the following: sphygmomanometers (blood pressure monitor), stethoscopes, digital thermometers, sterile gloves, gauze bandages, surgical supplies, splits sets, injury kits, disposable gowns, diapers, ambu bags and other medical items. These were distributed in 5 provincial and district hospitals in addition to the Provincial Health Office, 18 Rural Health Units (including birthing centers), the City Health Office including several smaller health centers around the City of Roxas, and Camp Peralta which is the 3rd largest Philippine Army camp that has a small district hospital.
Repacking of school kits and hygiene kits by Mormon Helping Hands volunteers and donation of these 3,100 kits to 6 elementary schools in the Ivisan School District: Basiao Elementary School, Cabugao Elementary School, Mahayag Elementary School, Ivisan, Elementary School, Don Catalino Elementary School and Don Juan Jarencio Elementary School.
Anti-smoking puppet show held in 10 elementary schools: Panitan Elementary School, Pontevedra Elementary School, Maayon Elementary School, Dao Elementary School, Dumalag Elementary School, Cuartero Elementary School, Ivisan Elementary School, Sigma Elementary School and Filamer Christian University (Elementary Department).
Olongapo City, Angeles City, Pangasinan and San Fernando, La Union
Repacking of about 2900 school kits and hygiene kits by Mormon Helping Hands volunteers from Angeles Stake which were distributed in Angeles City, Pangasinan Province, and La Union Province.
In Angeles City, 1,150 school and hygiene kits were donated to several schools which included the Children's Home of Eucharistic Love which is an orphanage for girls who have been abused or abandoned. The home is run by Catholic nuns who serve more than 25 girl residents aged 3-18 year old. The elementary schools that were recipients of the kits were Don Pepe Henson Memorial School and Alberto Pabalan Elementary School which both had indigent elementary school aged children.
Donation of medical supplies to Olongapo hospital.
Donation of medical supplies and school/hygiene kits to the Province of Pangasinan. These medical supplies were delivered to 5 provincial and district hospitals, and 13 rural health units in Pangasinan. The 5 hospitals were Bayambang District Hospital, Pangasinan Provincial Hospital, Lingayen District Hospital, Western Pangasinan District Hospital, Bolinao Community Hospital. The 13 rural health units were in the towns of Bayambang (2 rural health units), Bautista, Alcala, Sta. Barbara, Calasiao, Manaoag, Bugallon, Mangatarem, Bolinao, Agno, Mabini, and Mangaldan.
A special turnover event with Pangasinan Governor Amado Espino, Jr. was held during a flag ceremony on 10 August in which he extended appreciation to the Church for the contributions and assistance extended to the Province of Pangasinan. In attendance were active duty US Navy and Army personnel who were also recognized for their medical engagement efforts in the province.
Distribution of 1,250 school and hygiene kits in Pangasinan. There were 5 elementary schools that received the school and hygiene kits: Carael School, Calmay School, T. Ayson School, SabanganSchool and Cabilocaan School.
Donation of medical supplies to hospitals in San Fernando, La Union. There were three main entity recipients of the medical supplies in San Fernando, La Union. They were San Fernando, La Union City Health Center which includes a large birthing center, San Gabriel Rural Health Unit, and Santol Rural Health Unit.
Distribution of 500 school and hygiene kits to 4 elementary schools in San Fernando, La Union: San Agustin Community School, Ilocanos Day School, Sevilla School and North Central School.
Anti-smoking puppet show held in 2 elementary schools: San Fernando South Central Integrated School; San Fernando North Central School.
Representatives from LDS Charities and Mormon Helping Hands of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints work with governments, faith-based organizations and charities around the world to respond to emergencies in times of disasters. They also help alleviate suffering and strengthen individuals, families and communities. LDS Charities is an application of the admonition of Jesus Christ to help others in need.
