THREE Filipino doctors who continuously serve depressed, neglected and needy communities in the country received recognition from Phi Kappa Mu Fraternity of the University of the Philippines-College of Medicine and the Rotary Club of Paco, Manila.

The award, “Diamonds in the Rough,” is a project of the fraternity that coincides with its 75th anniversary. It aims to recognize outstanding Filipino doctors who chose to stay and serve the country instead of working overseas for greener pastures.

The three awardees are Dr. Vietrez Panganiban David-Abella from Luzon, Dr. Mennie Cabacang from Visayas and Dr. Afdal Kunting from Mindanao.

“These doctors are exemplary in their field and have big hearts for their chosen profession,” said Dr. Jaime Galvez-Tan, former Department of Health (DOH) secretary and chairman of the board of judges.

Each of the three winners received P100,000, a medallion and a plaque of recognition. The communities served by the winning doctors also received P100, 000 for the betterment of the projects they support.

Dr. Abella, 41, is serving the municipality of Virac, Catanduanes, for almost 12 years now. She established the Catanduanes Breast Cancer Support Group, cofounded a women’s empowerment and literacy advocacy group called Virac Ladies Circle and actively participated in medical organizations.

Although the general surgeon was born and raised in Manila, she preferred to practice in the rugged and mountainous province to give back to the community.

“After I graduated from the University of the Philippines Intarmed Program in 1991, I thought there’s no prospect [of growth] here,” Abella told the BusinessMirror in an interview. “But my parents encouraged me to become a surgeon, and when I reached Virac in 1997, it’s when I realized success is immaterial.”

“It’s a matter of looking at the situation, exposure and making priorities,” said Abella as an advice to those who wish to serve the country but are hampered by financial drawbacks.

Dr. Cabacang believes in the same principle. Even though she knew that big opportunities are waiting for her abroad being a midwife, nurse and doctor, she opted to remain and be of service to the people of Maslog, the poorest municipality in the province of Eastern Samar.

“For me this is a debt of gratitude. I was able to attain various degrees for free. It’s my way of showing great appreciation for the country,” explained Cabacang.

The 38-year-old general practitioner is a graduate of the UP School of Health Sciences in Palo, Leyte. She is the current municipal health officer of Maslog. Her efforts allowed Maslog to be the first municipality in Eastern Samar to offer magna carta benefits for all workers. Such advocacy, furthermore, earned her a four-time Green Banner award, an honor given by the region to the best municipality that implements nutrition projects.

“Helping people in dire need, for me, is enough fulfillment,” said Dr. Cabacang.

Her continuous advocacy, in addition, led to Maslog being awarded a six-person-capacity fiberglass boat from the local government to easily transport sick patients to the nearest hospital. Also, the municipality was noticed by the United Nations Children’s Fund and the Red Cross of Spain for funding support.

The youngest of all the awardees, Dr. Kunting, 36, has more than medical reasons to stay and serve in the Philippines.

“Family bonding is more precious than money. It is something nobody will regret,” he emphasized.

The district health officer of Sangali Health District in Zamboanga City recalled his inspiration from the writings of James Herriot, a British veterinary surgeon and writer who often values animals and country life.

Dr. Kunting graduated in 1999 at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University School of Medicine. He established the Family Health Guardian program to teach family members basic sanitation and hygiene. He is also an active member of the Ateneo Medical Assistance for Doctorless Areas. 

Asked how he feels on reports that medical experts have left the country for more dollars and euros, the doctor gave a calm reply.

“I am not disheartened. We’re still many here. I cannot castigate them. Many medical students really want to serve and I believe Filipinos are not selfish,” Dr. Kunting said. “Everybody has his own reasons; it’s just a matter of understanding.”