Love of Humanity
Issue 4
“Do for others what you would like them to do for you.”
Consonant with its mission statement, Swan Urology supports charitable organisations and philanthropic work to improve human and social welfare. It is hoped that these donations of time, talent and treasure will make life better for others and contribute to the greater good.
Background
The Republic of the Philippines is a Southeast Asian country with 7641 islands broadly categorised into three geographical divisions: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Despite dynamic economic growth and urbanisation, more than half of the Philippines’ 109 million people live in rural areas. Many are poor and depend on agriculture, farming and fishing for their livelihoods. Illiteracy, unemployment and the incidence of poverty are generally higher, with a lack of access to water, electricity, education and health care.
Cabungaan & Tabionan
We have focused our mission on the Visayas division in the mountainous region of Panay Island, the province of Iloilo. The mountain region where we conducted the medical missions is part of larger indigenous communities of the Bukitnon People group, with the Ati tribes and Hiligainon peoples scattered over many villages. Cabunga-an and Tabionan is in the municipality of Leon.
Medical & Dental Mission 2023
The absence of proper medical and dental facilities suggests a critical need for healthcare infrastructure in these areas. Access to basic healthcare services, such as regular check-ups and dental care, may be limited or non-existent. The team conducted two days of medical and dental missions. A total of approximately 360 people were treated.
Construction of Community Church Hall 2023 ongoing
“Some people think they are in community, but they are only in proximity. True community requires commitment and openness. It is a willingness to extend yourself to encounter and know the other.”
As the construction of the community Church Hall progresses into 2023, the local community eagerly anticipates the completion of this significant project. The church has long served as a central hub for various community activities and gatherings, providing a sense of unity and shared purpose.
Recognizing the need for a dedicated space to accommodate the growing needs of the community, the church took the initiative to secure a suitable plot of land. However, the construction process has not been without its challenges. One of the major hurdles faced by the project was the transportation of raw materials to the mountainous site where the church hall is being built. This geographical constraint added a significant cost to the overall budget, with approximately one-third of the funds allocated for the transportation of construction materials.
We had the opportunity to come together to overcome obstacles and make the dream of a Community Church Hall a reality.
Transportation Ongoing
In the specific mountainous regions of Cabugaan and Tabionan, where access to public transportation is non-existent, the need for a dedicated community vehicle becomes exceptionally crucial. The rugged terrain and lack of transportation infrastructure create unique challenges for residents, emphasizing the importance of a reliable vehicle for community work. We contributed to the purchase of this vehicle to help with the ongoing needs of the community.
