Celebrating 25 Years of Healing and Community: PMMGMPC’s Silver Jubilee Extravaganza
A Month-Long Celebration of Service, Unity, and Hope
By Ramon P. Datanagan, PTRP
Puerto Princesa City, September 2023 – The Palawan Medical Mission Group Multipurpose Cooperative (PMMGMPC) celebrated its 25th founding anniversary in grand style. Under the banner of “Pilak ng PMMG: Patungo sa Iisang Lunggati, Adhikain at Kinabukasan” (The Silver of PMMG: Towards One Aspiration and Future), the month-long festivities was a testament to 25 years of unwavering commitment to healing, community, and hope.
Kick-off Event: A Splash of Colors and Zumba Fun with PMMGMPC’s Community:
Early morning, at the City Baywalk, the eager faces of dedicated employees, esteemed members of the medical staff and their families commenced the celebration with high energy physical activities: a fun run and zumba.
Color Fun Run: A Unifying Journey – The Color Fun Run, aimed to embody unity in diversity: participants of all ages all in white at the starting line, formed a tapestry of individuals from diverse backgrounds, bound by a common purpose at PMMGMPC.
PMMGMPC’s employees, medical staff, and their families gathered for the Color Fun Run, showcasing the organization’s strong community spirit.
Along the route of the fun run, stationed volunteers doused the runners in a multitude of colored powders. A vibrant celebration of togetherness, the sweat, smiles, and colors filled the morning air. PMMGMPC’s mission has always been about bringing people together in the pursuit of wellness.
Runners being adorned with vibrant colors, signifying the diversity in unity within the PMMGMPC community.
Zumba Extravaganza: Dancing to Good Health – Following the Color Fun Run, the energy surged as participants transitioned to Zumba extravaganza. The dance floor came alive with infectious up-beat music. PMMGMPC members moved as one, led by spirited instructors, in a joyful celebration of fitness and well-being. It was a collective declaration of vitality and happiness when one lives healthy as a community.
Enthusiastic participants dance their way to good health during the Zumba session.
Radiant energy from participants as they danced their way to fitness, exuding the spirit of PMMGMPC’s community.
A Walk Down Memory Lane:
Just three days after the outdoor activities, PMMGMPC took its celebration to the main hospital lobby in Mabini Street, Puerto Princesa City. There, an immersive photo gallery took one on a journey of PMMGMPC’s rich history: 25 years of healing, service, and community engagement.
The entrance to the photo gallery, inviting visitors to step into PMMGMPC’s illustrious history.
The gallery was thoughtfully curated to narrate PMMGMPC’s evolution. Visitors were greeted by a captivating display of the organization’s humble beginnings, key milestones, and the tireless efforts of its members in making a meaningful impact on the community. Photographs, artifacts, and anecdotes from members eloquently conveyed the organization’s commitment to providing healthcare of the highest quality and fostering a sense of unity among its ranks. The gallery remained open throughout the month, meant to inspire to continue its legacy of service.
Historical milestones highlighted PMMGMPC’s growth and transformative journey.
Personal anecdotes and cherished artifacts shared by members, remembering the faces behind PMMGMPC’s story.
Visitors exploring the immersive exhibit, engaging with PMMGMPC’s legacy.
A closing shot of the photo gallery, a testament to PMMGMPC’s 25 years of dedicated service to the community.
Caring for Mother Earth: Tree Planting in Barangay Irawan
On September 9th, PMMGMPC demonstrated its commitment to environmental well-being and sustainability with a tree planting event in the lush surroundings of Barangay Irawan. PMMGMPC members and volunteers gathered with saplings, sharing their hopes of a greener and more sustainable future.
The chosen location for the tree planting was carefully selected to have a lasting impact in the community helping restore ecological balance in the area. PMMGMPC strives for holistic well-being, recognizing that environmental health affects human health.
PMMGMPC’s volunteers planting trees in the serene landscape of Barangay Irawan, contributing to environmental conservation.
Volunteers planting trees with care, symbolizing PMMGMPC’s dedication to a sustainable future.
11th Medical Forum: “Silver Linings” in Chronic Medical Conditions
A Digital Gathering of Medical Minds: A two-day medical forum, PMMGMPC took to a virtual Zoom discussion of “Silver Linings” in chronic medical conditions. Medical experts shared the latest in patient-centered care and emerging breakthroughs– all meant to provide a beacon of hope and positivity amidst such conditions. Healthcare professionals and enthusiasts from across the country came together for this event. This demonstrated PMMGMPC’s dedication to continuous learning and excellence in healthcare.
A screenshot of the virtual 11th Medical Forum, where experts convened to explore the theme of “Silver Linings.”
Leaders at the Helm: Under the dynamic leadership of Dr. Paul Saludez, President of the Medical Staff Organization, and Dr. Butch Gemarino, Chair of the Continuing Medical Education (CME) committee, the 11th Medical Forum took shape as a platform for sharing insights, discoveries, and innovative approaches to chronic medical conditions.
Dr. Paul Saludez, President of the Medical Staff Organization, and Dr. Butch Gemarino, Chair of the CME committee, leading the charge for the 11th Medical Forum.
Guiding Light:
Dr. Adelito Posas, the main adviser of the event, provided invaluable guidance and expertise.
His dedication to advancing medical knowledge and his passion for exploring the
positive aspects within the challenging landscape of chronic medical conditions set the
tone for the forum’s discussions.
Dr. Adelito Posas, the main adviser of the 11th Medical Forum, contributing his expertise to the event’s success.
Expert speakers and presenters sharing their insights and discoveries during the forum.
The virtual gathering would hopefully pave the way for more compassionate healthcare practices within PMMGMPC and beyond. It was also a reminder of the opportunities for growth, and learning in the face of challenges.
A screenshot capturing the diverse group of participants, united by their commitment to advancing healthcare.
Community Outreach: “Puso ng PMMG” Nurturing Hearts, Enriching Lives in Barangay Montible
On September 15, the compassionate arm of PMMGMPC, known as “Puso ng MMG,” held an outreach program for the residents of Barangay Montible, Puerto Princesa City. Headed by program director Dr. Frederick Quicho together with puso volunteers, this day was about expressing care and support, towards the community.
Empowering through Knowledge: The outreach event commenced with a lecture to raise awareness and fostering good health practices on Proper Hygiene and Dengue Awareness, emphasizing basic cleanliness and disease prevention.
Participants listening attentively in the Proper Hygiene and Dengue Awareness lecture
Bringing Comfort and Necessities: The community engagement continued with an initiative known as “Hanap Bato,” laboratory screening for kidney stones through urinalysis. This was meant to foster proactive health monitoring, empowering participants to take charge of their well-being. Hygiene kits, slippers and workbooks were distributed in the community as well.
Participants in “Hanap Bato” a proactive step towards wellness.
Smiles and gratitude abound as community members receive Hygiene Kits, Slippers, and Workbooks.
Unlimited arrozcaldo was given to the community as well. The warm and nourishing meal was meant for the partner community to share in the anniversary celebration. Games with prizes were held for the young and the young at heart bringing laughter to children and adults of Barangay Montible.
Community members enjoying unlimited arrozcaldo, a warm meal for the soul.
Laughter and camaraderie among participants engaging in games and activities.
Puso ng MMG’s event was about creating meaningful connections, fostering well-being, and leaving an indelible mark of care and compassion in the hearts of the community members.
A group photo with the residents of Barangay Montible capturing the spirit of unity and compassion
PMMGMPC’s Grand Anniversary Celebration: A Day of Unity and Gratitude
The much-anticipated PMMGMPC’s 25th-anniversary celebration arrived, marked by a series of heartwarming and joyous events, bringing the entire PMMGMPC family together in gratitude.
Motorcade: A Vibrant Parade of Unity: The day began with an enthusiastic motorcade, adorned with colorful banners, traversing the major streets of the city. It was a visual spectacle showcasing PMMGMPC’s presence and deep connection with the community.
The motorcade kicked off the day’s festivities with exuberance.
Celebration of the Holy Eucharist: Following the motorcade, the community gathered for a celebration of thanksgiving with the Holy Eucharist. The PMMGMPC family came together to offer prayers of gratitude for 25 years of service and healing.
The Holy Eucharist, a moment of spiritual reflection and gratitude, brought the PMMGMPC community together.
Gift-Giving to Patients: Sharing the Joy – After the Mass, PMMGMPC expressed its heartfelt thanks to its patients by distributing gifts. It was a gesture that not only brought smiles to the patients but also reinforced the organization’s commitment to care and support.
Patients receiving gifts, a heartwarming token of appreciation from PMMGMPC.
Thanksgiving Dinner and Recognition: That evening, the grand Thanksgiving Dinner was held at Citystate Asturias Hotel. The gala was the pinnacle of the anniversary celebration, filled with moments of recognition, appreciation, and entertainment.
The elegant setting of the Thanksgiving Dinner at Citystate Asturias Hotel.
Honoring Patrons and Long-Serving Employees: During the program, a moment was held to acknowledge the pillars of PMMGMPC’s success. The top 20 patrons of the medical staff received plaques of appreciation, recognizing their invaluable support. Additionally, employees who had dedicated 10, 15, 20, and 25 years of service to PMMGMPC were honored with plaques of appreciation as well.
Patrons and long-serving employees receiving plaques of appreciation for their commitment to PMMGMPC’s mission.
Harmony and Dance: PMMGMPC Chorale and Dance Troupe – One of the evening’s highlights was the breathtaking performance by the PMMGMPC Chorale and Dance Troupe. The collaboration of these two talented groups created a mesmerizing and unforgettable experience.
The mesmerizing collaboration of the PMMGMPC Chorale and Dance Troupe was a highlight of the evening.
The night was meant to celebrate the heart of PMMGMPC: the individuals in the community dedicated to healing. Their hard work and compassion make PMMGMPC’s mission possible.
Mass Blood Donation: A Gift of Life and Unity
The Philippine Red Cross – Palawan Chapter and PMMGMPC collaborated to hold a mass blood donation event. Both are dedicated in concrete ways ordinary people can save lives.
The mass blood donation event, showcasing the commitment to saving lives.
Blood donors, the silent heroes, giving the gift of life through blood donation.
The mass blood donation event served as a lifeline for countless individuals who rely on donated blood for their medical treatments, surgeries, and emergencies. The event was not only about saving lives but also about fostering solidarity within the community to support those with this medical need.
A Green Legacy:
The month-long celebration culminated on September 30th with another tree planting activity, in Barangay Sta. Lucia.
Tree planting in Barangay Sta. Lucia, a testament to PMMGMPC’s commitment to the environment.
The 25th founding anniversary of the Palawan Medical Mission Group Multipurpose Cooperative was more than a milestone; it was a testament to the organization’s enduring commitment to healing, community, and hope. PMMGMPC looks forward to the future, knowing its legacy of service will live on.