(L to R) Joy Lim, Florida Lucas, Rowena Alba, Sally Nunez, Alex Alejandrino, Lea Batomalaque, Rolly Anselmo, and Annabel Anselmo
Saleaflor Foundation’s first medical mission got off to a spirited start with mission members arriving October 7 in Caramoan, Camarines Sur bringing boxes of medical supplies, food, swag bags, as well as good cheer from New York and California.
Saleaflor executives, led by Chair & CEO Sally Nunez, Secretary Lea Batomalaque and VP for Finance Florida Lucas, will be heading the 2-day mission on Oct 8 and 9, providing medical and dental services to more than 500 residents of Caramoan. This town is a favorite location spot of the ‘Survivor’ reality TV show.
“It’s our way of giving back,” said Lea. “We want to reach out to people.” She said Saleaflor Foundation was created only last year.
Her remark was echoed by Florida. “It’s our way of sharing with others whatever blessings the Lord has bestowed on us.”
The medical mission will be held at the grounds of the Parish of St. Michael the Archangel. Tents and tables were being erected in front of the nearly 400-year-old parish where the Caramoan-born and bred Sally went to church as a little girl.
Sally said she is grateful to the parish secretary Richelda Dy for spreading the word about the medical mission and coordinating the response from interested parties. Richelda said she and her catechists made sure residents are aware that free checkups, blood tests, and some dental treatments are available for two days courtesy of U.S. and local doctors and nurses.
(Secretary of St, Michael Archangel Parish)
“The people were happy,” said Richelda. “Dumating na ang tulong.”
According to Sally, tomorrow’s medical mission will benefit from the services of 12 doctors, 2 dentists, and 16 nurses and two dozen volunteers. The group also includes Saleaflor office administrator Alex Alejandrino who will oversee logistics.
“This is our first medical mission,” Sally stressed. Along the way, her co-organizers learned about a group of Filipino doctors that offers to help U.S.-based missions. “Had we known, we could have just coordinated with this group instead of doing everything from scratch,” she said.
The Saleaflor Foundation executives visited the community center today where the mission will take place the following day. They also helped sort out the supplies to be used.
The medical mission is being supported by the two other companies, RN Express and Manhattan Employment Services, Inc., which the three women founded about five years ago. The mission is their way of giving thanks “to the Lord for continuing to bless our companies and making them become more successful in the future.”
