Trip To Pinangud, Bacyang, Madalag

by MEGS S. LUNN

“We don’t do things because they are easy. We do things because they are hard and needed.” A quotation stated from a former American president. It has been said many times over that when one does things, it must be something different, something exceptional. To touch a life of a hopeful kid who wishes to have a leg, a family who dreams good life for Arnel, friends and neighbors who care for Arnel…what an inspiring thought. Not to mention, the caring Rotarians who are ready to lend a hand, to move every mountain and to Make Dreams Real!

It is for this reason that my brother Felinor took a leave of absence from his office to accompany and gave me a lift. Clad with Rotary shirt, scarf with Rotary cap and hiking shoes, I went to the town of Madalag. I passed by Malinao town, Barangay Alaminos, and then Bacyang, Madalag, Aklan.
We were welcomed by the couple, Rudy and Catherine Magcope, who are both school principals of Alaminos National High School and Alaminos Elem. School, respectively. The local hospital Administrative Officer II– Mrs. Mel Dionela was also at Alaminos Elem. School. Hot coffee and biscuits, were served. Then off to Brgy. Bacyang, Sitio Patnungon to meet Arnel and his family.

On the way to Poblacion, Madalag, we passed eight (8) bridges and crossed a river several times on a hot day via rough and hilly road to Arnel’s place.

A fearless heart believes that miracles happen. The joint project on prosthesis leg with sister club RC Forbes Park, Makati pushed my fearless heart to move mountains. We did go up, it was a wonderful feeling, to hurdle those rugged roads and brief water rafting exciting. I told you, it was not my first time though, but every time I got to experience this simple happiness, it’s always different.

When we arrived at Arnel’s place, I felt relieved to see him. He was the reason why we were there. Seeing him and his house are something that moved my heart, thinking that on June 21, 2008, his house was below muddy water.

The family prepared a humble lunch for us. We begged off not to eat at first, but then, they lovingly offered it. So we ate lunch with them. Perhaps, it was the last chicken left after typhoon, we jokingly chatted. P. Ed told me to tell the family that Arnel will have the chance to go to Manila for the fitting of prosthesis leg and rehabilitation, very soon. Arnel’s face brightened with joy and thankfulness that at last, his dream will soon come true.

Arnel is still in Grade V. He is supposed to be in high school at 12 years old. It is his disability to walk and write normally that hinder him to make his dreams real, of finishing school soon. Everyday of his life, he has to walk (with his knees) at least 4 kilometers and cross the river to go to study in school.

It was thru Sister Ester of the Daughters of Charity (St. Vincent de Paul) and after that devastating typhoon Frank though that we came to met Arnel and his family. Call it a blessing to both RC Kalibo and RC Forbes Park, Makati. It is thru this project that strengthens the bond of the newly signed sisterhood agreement.

Along the way of our trip, we met warm people, passed thru a 10–bed hospital where we saw a junk ambulance of the town. Some angel led me to a house just nearby where I found Leonard Saspa, 21 years old who is paralyzed because of accident almost a year ago in town. He wished to have a wheelchair. While we got out of the house, we met a good looking teenager named Joseph Lorenz Dionela, 18 years old. He needs hearing aid for his right ear. According to his parent, he has a shant since birth.

For one day, we spent to commune with Arnel and the family, also with the warm accommodating neighborhood and the father of the town, Mayor Rex Gubatina. His friends during the courtesy call were all delighted with our presence.

Before we finally left the town, we passed the 8th bridge that seemed to collapse soon because of the recent typhoon Frank. This bridge connects the many barangays with Madalag.

Rotary is not only an option, it is a mission to fulfill. As we were going down the rough road, I remembered the Sound of Music movie. They heard me sang the song.

Before I became a Rotarian, I wanted to make a difference in many lives, but little did I know that God had a plan to use me in a greater way than I imagined. God opened the door to Rotary. Rotary indeed made my life live with a purpose. Thank you to all the warm people in Madalag we met! /MP