After a grueling busy season and, for some, a well-deserved respite in breathtaking Boracay, 18 P&A staff, alumni and friends flocked to the function hall of Our Lady of Fatima Chapel on Zapanta Street, Manila, last June 4 for another well-attended P&A for a Cause (PAUSE) activity dubbed “Serbisyo Medikal,” a circumcision mission. PAUSE offered manpower assistance and sponsored medical-related items.
With a few days before the start of school, 61 adolescent males braved the circumcision procedures performed by doctors and volunteers from the Philippine General Hospital and the Phi Kappa Mu Fraternity of the UP College of Medicine. Barangay and church organization’s officials likewise extended all-out assistance. The young boys (and a few grown-up men!) wore confused faces of nervousness and panic as they awaited their turn in the service room. After coming out red-faced from the room, the boys were ushered to the table where a group of PAUSE volunteers gave instructions and dispensed antibiotics.
Donning surgical masks and gloves, Leah Biton, Apple Manzano, Cops Coprado, Leah Lontok, Marivi Corpuz, Bubbles Tomas and Jouie Leonido served like a real team of medical practitioners in ensuring that all medical instruments went through the sterilization process.
The medical mission would not have been a success if not for everyone’s contributions and the support of those who attended the activity. We hope to see you again in future PAUSE projects!