RIYADH, 20 March 2005 — Seventy-eight distressed Filipino workers being sheltered at the Philippine government’s Bahay Kalinga in the Saudi capial were the recipients of free medical and dental assistance by a team of Filipino medical practitioners, nurses, therapists, pharmacists and other volunteers from different hospitals.
Officers of the Philippine Overseas Labor Office headed by Labor Attaché Manuel Roldan opened the shelter’s door to the medical mission, which was organized by Comsofil — an organization that conducts computer literacy programs at Riyadh International School — over the weekend for the activity.
“Charity unites Filipinos,” Comsofil President Archie Trigo said as he reflected on the big number of volunteers who joined the mission. There were 52 volunteers in the medical and dental mission.
Trigo also credited FilAir Cargo, Filipino.com, and the POLO transport group for helping make the event possible. He also noted that a number of people donated food, gifts, while Nida Manuel provided 50 percent of the medicines.
Robert Malitao, Comsofil’s public relations officer, said the residents of Bahay Kalinga were very happy for having a community of compatriots who care for the distressed like them.
Aside from the residents of BK, 22 more patients who came along with the volunteers also received free medicines and consultation.