25 years of success

0 Comments | Manila Bulletin, March 21, 2004

On February 24, 1979, a group of physicians at the Mary Chiles General Hopsital bonded together to form an organization which fosters camaraderie, service, and professional excellence. It was named as the Mary Chiles General Hospital Physicians Association (MCGHPA). The founding president, Dr. Jesus de Jesus with the undying support of former hospital director Dr. Mariano S. Florendo, did it all. Twenty-five years later, on February 24, 2004, the legacy of its predecessors endures with the celebration of the associations silver anniversary.

The momentous occasion fell on a Tuesday, when most of the doctors in Mary Chiles Hospital were present. Perhaps it was luck or providence, maybe even both. Early preparations for the event were ensured by the leadership of Dr. Domingo A. Reyes, chairman for the 25th Anniversary Celebration. Everything was clockwork and no stones were left unturned.

The celebration kicked off with a thanksgiving mass officiated by Monsignor Marcelino Montemayor, assisted by two other priests. The past presidents, together with the Florendo family, participated in the offertory. Some of the original members of the Singing Physicians joined the newbies to render songs of praise. Immediately following the mass was a grand feast. Everyone was invited to the lunch, from the director down to the hospital helpers.

The program hosted by Drs. Francis m. Decangchon, Jr. and Jesus C. Sison, Jr. was short and sweet. The audience gave a warm response to the two entertaining emcees. The past presidents of the Association also gave short messages. But the highlight of the occasion was the inspirational talk delivered by Dr. de Jesus. Illuminated by interesting anecdotes, guests were taken through the Associations 25-year journey back in time. The Singing Physicians, with 23 of the original 78 members, re-appeared with the shows final number. However, it was only the beginning. After all, the silver jubilee was planned as a year-long affair; there is more to come. Other highlights include community service, a tiangge, lecture, sportsfest, and dinner-dance-show.

Reyes, alluding to the preamble of the Associations constitution, affirms their credo of service. "This is to foster the spirit of brotherhood, safeguard the welfare of members, improve the working conditions of physicians in rendering efficient medical service to the public, and to promote the moral, physical and intellectual welfare of the members of the association," he says. "But we have to ask ourselves, Are we there yet?"

According to Reyes, the answer is both yes and no. "I say yes because after 25 years, after nine presidents, after almost doubling the membership from 78 to150, after one constitutional amendment and after numerous fruitful projects, this group of doctors is proud to have upheld this preamble," he explains. "But I also say no because come to think of it, we are just part of this evolution. Theres plenty of time ahead of us to outdo ourselves." As Reyes aptly puts it, a new group of doctors at Mary Chiles will also look back to this day and ask themselves, "Are we there yet?" The answer would be the same, he adds, "There is more to come."