Pinoy Care Lives On In AMA

We all came across wonderful and heartwarming stories in the past. This one is simply about touching hearts.

While the management, volunteer doctors, nurses and students were busy with the ongoing medical missions in the AMA Tulong sa Bayan projects, a dear, caring and generous woman closest to the heart of our Chairman Amable R. Aguiluz V was likewise very reminiscent about giving aid and support to all the affected AMA employees of typhoon Ondoy. And once again, she touched the heart of our Chairman. And the rest, as they say is history

With kind hearts touched by todays times, top officers and all employees of the Head Office, raised a fund to provide help to the employee-victims of Ondoy. This relief fund was matched with shares coming from Chairman Amable R. Aguiluz V and our President, Dr. Amable C. Aguluz IX.

Led by the Brand Cluster Heads and Area Directors with the able support of some ALCO and Executive Committee members, three teams were quickly formed for a relief goods distribution project on October 10, 2009.

St. Augustine Colleges of Nursing Chief Operating Officer Darwin V. Dominguezs team set sail early which I was fortunate to be part of. Our first stop was in the campus of AMACC East Rizal. Relief goods were distributed to members of the employee force and faculty. The team also conducted free consultations and check-ups through the courtesy of Dr. Nani L. Manalastas, MD, consultant for St. Augustine Schools and Colleges.

The heat and dust was upscale as the team arrived at the ABE College in Cainta, Rizal. But heat or no heat, the feeling was light and untiring. Once that sincere smile comes out from the appreciative faces of our peers and their loved ones, it all becomes worth our while. As the team trooped to the residences of other severely affected employees of the AMA family, traffic became horrendous. We found it difficult to reach their homes but the sense of urgency to render help and support made our mission most satisfying.

One particular experience really touched our hearts. It is about an AMA employee who will also be given relief goods and medical assistance on that day. On our way to her house were heavily congested streets and houses. And while the heavy rains have stopped many days back, nearby residential houses were still afloat in waist-deep floodwaters. We could not help but empathize with the people. A few meters away from her home was an overflowing creek and atop her house was the narrow and busy thoroughfare which took much of the relief teams traveling time. But despite all these, we were all eager to find her. As we entered her home she was a bit shy upon seeing us but her warm smile, and the heartfelt thanks and appreciation she and her mother showed made us all feel overwhelming joy and fulfillment. She is Jackie Lou Salazar of the Accounting Department in the Head Office. She is Jackie Lou who for her love and dedication to her AMA family takes 4 rides coming from Cainta, Rizal to come to office. She is Jackie Lou, severely affected by typhoon Ondoy. And despite Ondoy and other similar circumstances, like Jackie Lou, the rest of the AMA familys employees remain dedicated and committed to their jobs.

And as we may end our missions in the days to come, and though we pray not, as Ondoys and similar calamities may still hound us in the future, let us all continue our togetherness by showing willingness and desire to help and support each other at all times. Let us all exemplify teamwork, bond and courage regardless of cluster, department and rank - calamity or no calamity!