“Who am I?” My grade school teacher wrote this on the board. What ensued was my first formal theme composition experience. It was the occasion which initially challenged my writing prowess. The result? I got the title “Best in Handwriting”! Hey, isn’t it that composition writing is supposed to be judged according to content? Elaboration unneeded here.

Back to the “Who am I?” question. I believe each one of us has his/her own way of seeing ourselves and of knowing who we are. But there’s an objective question that, somehow, could also bring us there: “Tell me who your friends are and I’ll tell you who you are.”

This was the exact question ringing in my head when I opted to interview some persons directly involved and affected by our services in Camillus MedHaven in Marikina City. I believe that through them, we will be able to know how our Camillian ministry is faring now on this side of town.

But before I let these persons say something about Camillus MedHaven, please allow me to give you first a short backgrounder.

Camillus MedHaven is the renamed St. Camillus Home of Charity founded in 1992. The renaming formally happened on 02 February 2006 when the Home of Charity changed its direction from being a shelter and health care provider for abandoned persons with disabilities (PWD) into a home for the elderly. The accommodated senior citizens pay for the care they receive.

Despite the shift, the institution is nevertheless still faithful to its original intent of caring for PWD. While providing a home-away-from-home community for the elderly, Camillus MedHaven also involves itself in the promotion of the welfare of disabled children in Marikina City. Through its Community-Based Rehabilitation Program (CBRP), it facilitates the accessibility and availability of resources towards the effective physical and social rehabilitation of these PWD.  

With all these changes and improvements, Nilda Hilario, RN, nurse supervisor of the geriatric services, said this: “We have really improved.”

I thought she was only referring to the physical structure but she added this: “As to our work, we have also really improved a lot. We were given further trainings and so we are currently more organized. We now work according to our educational qualification. As a nurse, I feel empowered for I am given the responsibility to decide as regards my work. We are encouraged to be creative and to do our best in organizing things and in managing conflicts. I just consult higher authorities if I can no longer handle the situation.”

And this observation likewise never escaped from the notice of Marilou Aviles, PTRP, head physical therapist of the CBRP. “What I like in this place is that it is organized. As head PT, I am asked for my suggestions to help improve our services. And I like it because I feel I belong, that I am really part of MedHaven,” she said.

If empowerment and sense of belongingness are felt by our health care providers, the question is – are these also felt by the residents?

“Oh, yes, Brother!” said Stevan “Mang Steve” Pampolan, paraplegic and almost 16 year resident of this warm, green and familiar home. But he didn’t end his answer there. Teary-eyed, he further related, “When I heard that we will be accepting paying residents, at first I got worried. Being an adopted resident, I feared that we (referring to himself and other remaining original Home of Charity residents) might be discriminated against because we are not paying.” “But no, I was wrong,” he shook his head and smiled. “I feel that we are all equal. The administration, staff, personnel and volunteers treat us equally. The new residents don’t act as if they are superior to us. They instead respect us.”

Still Mang Steve continued, “I even feel proud of myself because whatever decisions are made here, my opinion is asked. Sinasanggunian ako kaya ramdam ko na ako’y isang kabahagi dito” (I am consulted, and so I feel I belong).

Mylene dela Cruz, cook, shares the feelings of Mang Steve. “I am happy because I feel we are noticed since every department is asked for suggestions. Personnel and patients are treated equally,” she said.

The feeling of happiness seems really inevitable for somebody staying or working here.

“It’s beautiful. We have a quiet, relaxing and feel-good environment. Our schedule is organized and patients follow the time. The patients and their parents and the staff are fun and easy to be with. I’m happy to be here even though I only come here once a week,” said Babette Mascariñas, OTRP, occupational therapist of the children enrolled in the CBRP.

And Jasmine Salvador, a former on-the-job trainee and now a private caregiver in the institution has this to say, “There are some conflicts between fellow workers here but I think it is normal in every workplace. But there are many things that I did not learn in school that I only learn here. MedHaven really responds to and provides for the needs of its residents. I’m happy to be here. Sana dito na ako. (I wish I could stay here)”

Fr. Sam Cuarto, MI, is the administrator of Camillus MedHaven and is the brain behind all these makeovers, which the staff, personnel, volunteers and residents are very happy, satisfied and thankful about.

Camillus Medhaven is now receiving many inquiries and reservations.  Thus, soon to rise in the green, sprawling two-hectare lot on Marikina Heights nestling Camillus MedHaven is another building that will expand the home by 60 more beds.  

Word seems to have gotten around about Camillus Medhaven.  (Maybe the feature made by “The Correspondents” and “Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition 2” of the giant TV network ABS-CBN helped!).  Or perhaps what “they say” has indeed succeeded in gaining ‘a hundred more arms’ that will continue caring for the elderly and for persons with disabilities the Camillian way!

CLICK HERE to visit the Camillus MedHaven website.