Restoring the Hilgendorf Memorial Clinic

Two decades ago, going to Bunhian will take a day journey. You have to catch the first and the last trip going to Bunhian. A world war 2 type of public transport which will drive you for one day to bring you to Bunhian , then hike for 4 hours to the clinic. If you don’t catch it, a day hike from Ubao, stay overnight at Mr Lamag’s ( retired principal Aguinaldo National Highschool) place in Bunhian, then early the following morning another 2 to 3 hrs hike to the clinic…Today, good news, it’s already cemented from Ubao, the first barangay of Aguinaldo to Jacmal, site of the clinic.

I still remember, when I was assigned as a very young and novice MAP nurse, the clinic was like a white tower building sitting on top of the hill where everyday is full pack with patients coming from different barangays of Aguinaldo. This clinic was utilized for thirty years. In the late 90’s it was being visited at least once a year by MAP nurses and at the same time conduct refresher training for BHWs trained by MAP.

*Pastor Ray Calupig is the husband of MAP worker, Tess Calupig.

Auntie Mary, the niece of Nana Inggaten, who donated the land to MAP where the HMC is located. She was very happy that we came back to restore the clinic for the people of Aguinaldo. Dr. Eli Sarmiento ( MAP President Emeritus) and MAP team were excited to put up the dental clinic, laboratory, minor surgery and center for CB-HELP training institute. At least every year Dr. Eli and volunteers from USA were rendering medical/surgical/dental mission service and Church Relations activities in Aguinaldo. The HMC has been the venue for Operation Samaria ( Yearly Mission Exposure Program for medical/nursing students and professionals ) in 2003, 2004 and 2010.

Uncle David Lingoyna, the oldest BHW trained by MAP and been active from 1988-2000’s. He visited MAP office to bring the request of the people of Aguinaldo to restore the HMC and to serve Aguinaldo and nearby towns.