BONTOC, Mtn. Prov. – As part of the 2018 Lang-ay Festival activity, the 4th Kataguan Caravan for a cause- “Drive for Life” has been scheduled on April 8 through the partnership of the Kataguan Dialysis Patients Organization of Mountain Province and the Maximo B. Dalog Foundation (MBDF).
The first caravan was conducted on April 24, 2014 conceptualized and initiated by the late Congressman Maximo Dalog, with the Kataguan Dialysis Patients Organization as partner.
The Kataguan Dialysis Patients Organization is composed of kidney patients from Mountain Province who are having their hemodialysis treatments in different dialysis centers in the country. It was organized on January 2015 by 5-6 patients from the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center. On January 31, 2015, the first meeting was called and attended by twenty-seven (27) kidney patients and elected their officers.
The caravan aims to help and assist the dialysis patients generate funds for their weekly and lifetime treatment. It is also a way of showcasing the bayanihan system wherein the welfare of those in need are prioritized.
Records from the organization show that the number of patients gradually increased. As of press time, there are 124 members of the group compared to last year’s record of 104 members.
In last year’s caravan, a total amount of Php 234, 250.00 was turned over to the members of the organization not including the additional collectibles which were directly deposited to the Kataguan Dialysis Patients account.
For this year, the Kataguan Organization has collaborated with the MBDF in order to sustain the annual caravan “Drive for Life”.
In her letter addressed to the different Local Government Units, Non-Government Organization, National Line Agencies and Offices, Atty. Cyphrine Dalog extended the foundation’s profound gratitude for the participation and generous donations during the previous annual Drive for Life that has helped extend the lives of more than one hundred dialysis patients within and outside the province.
Atty. Dalog is again soliciting everyone’s support and generosity either as a sponsor or participant to the said cause. She is further encouraging everyone to join in this cause as the majestic mountain ranges and abundance of flora and fauna of Eastern Mountain Province will also be featured. All proceeds of the activity will again be turned-over to the Kataguan Dialysis Patients Organization, Inc. to defray the cost of medical treatment of their members.
The Drive for Life will start at 6:00 a.m. at the Eyeb Ground, Mountain Province General Comprehensive High School, Bontoc Mountain Province.
Meanwhile, the MBD Foundation is continuing its advocacy in community immersion and social programs. Just recently, the foundation together with the Luis Hora Memorial regional Hospital conducted a Medical Mission in Poblacion, Bauko, Mountain Province last February 17, 2018. Also, the foundation has distributed soaps to different schools in the province such as Banao and Lagawa Elementary Schools both in the municipalities of Bauko. Distribution of soaps to the different schools in the Eastern part of the province is also being scheduled. **Wabilyn Leanne Lomong-oy
