RIYADH, 10 June — In keeping with the bayanihan spirit that Filipinos are known for, numerous doctors, dentists, nurses and allied health workers are signing up for medical missions to be held in at least two places in the Kingdom as part of Independence Day festivities.

In Riyadh, medical missions will be held on June 13 and 14, with the Alpha Phi Omega Riyadh Alumni Association (APORAA) designated to coordinate and supervise the activity.

Named over-all chairman for the endeavor was Dr. Joyce R. Donesa, an active APO alumni who works at the Riyadh Military Hospital.

APORAA said it has also enlisted the support of dentists, pharmacists, medical technologists, optometrists, and nurses working in the different hospitals in Riyadh.

Volunteers from the two nurses organizations in Riyadh, NaRS and Filnasa, are also reportedly mobilizing for the community activity.

Dr. Raymond Alipit, APORAA president, said that apart from the usual consultations medical consultations, community members could also avail themselves of the free cholesterol count and eye examination with the use of an auto-refractor.

NaRS has said it is also preparing a lecture on health care and prevention during the two-day campaign.

Ambassador Rafael E. Seguis has said it is the policy of the embassy to support every worthwhile community activity but proper coordination should be made so as to avoid any transgression of the laws of the host country.

In Jeddah, a similar medical-dental mission is scheduled on June 14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Philippine Consulate, with the Pangasinan Saudi Workers Association (PSWA) in charge.

A quiz bee is also being organized by the Kasapi Congress for June 20 at the consulate, with Maisa chairman Rudy Dianalan in charge.

Kasapi Secretary-General Gil Manese said a “cultural evolution” showcasing various folk songs dances from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao will be held on June 21, with comebacking Bagong Bicol Saro nin Jeddah president Evelyn P. Santos in charge.

Last Friday, Jeddah festivities kicked off with the opening of the 104th Volleyball Independence Cup 2002, with Consul General Kadatuan P. Usop leading the ceremony. Five ladies and four male teams are participating in the tournament organized by the Kasapi through the Filipino Basketball Association.

Other organizations have also gotten into the act by launching their own tournaments, all in celebration of Independence Day.

Consul General Usop and will also lead the activities during the culmination night, said Kasapi chairman Ben Garcia.