JEDDAH, 12 June — A medical mission at the Philippine Consulate on Friday awaits Filipinos in Jeddah and nearby places who are not amply covered by health insurance.
Filipino doctors, dentists, nurses, medical technologists and other health workers are once again volunteering their services in commemoration of the 104th Philippine Independence Day.
Organized by the Pangasinan Saudi Workers Association (PSWA) and Bileg Ilocano iti Saudi Arabia (BISA), the medical mission will include the usual checkups as well as dental, eye, blood typing, OB-Gyne and other examinations.
“Those found with ailments will be referred to hospitals and clinics participating in the mission,” said PSWA chairman John Asperilla, who also heads the information committee of the Kasapi Congress.
On Independence Day proper, which is today, Consul General Kadatuan P. Usop will lead the traditional flag-raising ceremony at the consulate, followed by a breakfast hosted by consul general himself.
To give variety to this year’s celebration, Kasapi will also be holding a quiz contest on the morning of June 20.
This contest will follow the format of the famous quiz shows “Game K N B” and “Jeopardy.”
Participants will be divided into three categories, namely, elementary, high school, and adults.
Plenty of prizes await the winners, organizers said.
Independence Day activities among OFW’s, with the theme: “Bayan Ko, Sagot Ko,” have actually started the last weekend of May with a two-day martial arts tournament. Activities will continue through the last week of June.
These include a showdown between bitter rivals Riyadh Selection and the Jeddah All-Stars at the Sheraton Villa Compound basketball court on June 13 to 14. These basketball teams have developed a bitter rivalry over the years, and are known to play rugged and are unforgiving when arrayed against each other.
A volleyball tournament for both women and men will also be held on June 13-14 and on June 20-21.
A cultural show featuring songs, indigenous dances and other cultural numbers from groups representing various regions of the Philippines, will complete the activities this weekend.
Wrapping up this year’s celebration will be the Kalelang (Cultural) Festival by the Filipino Muslim community on June 28, at the consulate grounds.
Gangco Paguinaguina, cultural officer of the Philippine Consulate, said these “activities were organized to promote unity, strong spirit of nationalism, and patriotism among Filipinos.”
