Update on Medical Mission Trip to Tacloban, Philippines (Part 2)

Here's an update we received on our upcoming one-week medical mission trip to Tacloban, Philippines.


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Dear Tacloban Mission Team,

First of all, welcome and thank everyone for sacrificing your time with work and family, money, and energy to participate in this worth-while cause. Last Saturday, I attended a party at Dr. Salazar's house; all the Filipino friends at the party with relatives in Tacloban expressed their appreciation for your help. I am sure the people in Tacloban will appreciate you even more.  And God would thank you for your sharing and good heart.

A quick briefing and update on our mission.

1. People will arrive in Manila at different times, but we will all meet up on Sunday 2/23 to fly to Tacloban together.

• A small group of about 5 and I will arrive Manila 2 days early (Thu 2/20) so we can troubleshoot and make last minute preparation for our mission. 
• some will arrive on Friday night, and a last group will arrive Sat night.

2. We will fly from Manila to Tacloban together on Sunday at 3pm (unless you purchased your ticket separately).

3. In Tacloban, we will stay at Dr. Salazar's brother's house

Dr. Salazar originally came from Tacloban and still has lots of relatives there. He is a pulmonologist and has his medical practice in Houston. He has done the logistic for our stay and work in Tacloban.

Housing/hotel is still a big problem in Tacloban since much structures have been destroyed. Much of the city is still powered by generator. We thank you for openning your house for us.

• The house is in a small gated community (of 5 houses), very secure.
• There are 5 big rooms in the house, upstair and downstair. We may have to sleep on the floor. Please bring bed sheets, light blanket, towel, pillow ...
• Food will be catered for us everyday. 
• We will be in Tacloban from Sunday 2/23- Sat 3/1.

4. Work

• As of now, we have 27 team members: 6 physicians, 2 dentists, 2 nurses, 1 pharmacists, radio/tv reporters and cameraman, and 13 non-medical supporters. I had to turn away some volunteers because we have enough.
• There will be Rotary Club and Ausog organization to help us locally. They will arrange for our work locations, announce our arrival ahead of time so people will know, our transportation. Dr. Salazar has carefully pick locations where people need the most help. At one location, we have to travel for 3 hours to reach their village.
• We anticipate to see 2500-3000 patients in 5 days. So be ready for working hard.
• Physicians, dentists, nurses: please bring your own equipment that you will need.

5. Financial

• Special thanks to Radio Saigon Houston, anh Duong Phuc, and Tinh, c KNga and our core team, we have raised over usd 60,000+ as of today.
• We budget: $10K for medications, $20K for 5000 x$4/ child gift packages (school supplies), $16k for 1800 x$9/ adult gift packages (food and some supply). The rest will be spent for urgent/special needs that we will identify there.

6. What you need to bring

• It is hot and rainy. 80s/70s. raining almost everyday.
• Bring: water-resistant shoes/boots, mosquito repellant spray, umbrellas/raincoat, towel, sheets, pillow, small flashlight.  
• Personal medications/ toothpaste/brush, personal hygiene...
• I am in training and plan to run 3-5 miles/ day. If you want to run, please bring running shoes.

7. QUESTIONS ASAP

• Anyone with special food restriction (lactose intolerant...)?
• Any special needs? 

Please let us know now, so we can try to help.

Please feel free to comment or question.
Again, thanks everyone and God bless.
Fr. Tam