An Invitation To Serve

I was able to receive an invitation to join a band of doctors who are willing to serve the indigenous peoples of the Philippines. They call themselves the UP ORG or UP Outdoor Recreation Group. They will be in Tarlac this Nov. 15 to 16. Here is the letter they sent to me via email.

"20 October 2008

Dear Sir or Madam:

Greetings!

The UP Outdoor Recreation Group (UP ORG) is a duly recognized university-based organization, which engages in various outdoor recreational activities such as camping, surfing, skin-diving, and other outdoor pursuits. Founded in 1988, UP ORG has grown and broadened its aspirations, not just for ecological and environmental endeavors, but for social and cultural advocacies, as well.

In celebration of our 20th anniversary, UP ORG extends medical assistance to the locals of the places we have frequented over the years. We focused our medical missions on two indigenous groups, namely, the Dumagats and Aetas.

Last August 16 and 17, we conducted the first batch of our medical mission to the Dumagats in the Sierra Madre mountain range in Norzagaray, Bulacan. Around 300 Dumagats went to Sitio Sapinit to see our doctors. Some even camped with us during the night for the second day of the free clinic, as most of them traveled for days to receive medical attention. They were also provided food and medicine. The medical mission was truly a success. Attached are pictures taken during the medical mission.

On November 15-16, we will have our second medical mission for the Aetas in Tarlac. This community is far from the main road and the Aetas only rely on a truck that comes once a week to barter their charcoal. Without the truck, the Aetas travel by foot carrying loads of charcoal and arrive a day after at the nearest marketplace. This trading system emanated greatly from their needs, which they can no longer acquire from nature. We believe that this medical mission is important to them.

In line with this, we would like to invite you, your doctor friends and organization to join us in this endeavor. We need you in conducting general check-ups and performing minor surgeries for those who will need it. Currently, we are asking contribution from different companies in providing financial assistance and medicines.

If you have questions on this project, please contact me at 0917.862.48.50 or email at selyaguzon@gmail.com


Thank you.


Sincerely,


Mar Guzon
Public Relations Officer
UP ORG"