MANILA, Philippines - Pursuing his passion over wealth, Dr. Roel Z. Cagape has found great significance and happiness in life through his advocacy of bringing healthcare services to far flung areas in Mindanao.
Doc Roel, as he is fondly called by his friends and colleagues, is this year’s recipient of the Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Award (BTCA), the annual recognition given by the AY Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Yuchengco Group of Companies, and the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Manila.
The award, which commemorates the life of Mother Teresa who is known for her selfless humanitarian works, is given to individuals who have devoted their lives to serving the “poorest of the poorâ€.
Cagape, a community doctor from North Cotabato, has been helping impoverished families in Gen Santos City and Sarangani province since he graduated from med school in 1987.
Usually doing medical missions in areas barely accessible by four-wheeled vehicles, he launched projects like the “Ambulansyang Kabayoâ€, which teaches people how to transport ailing patients during emergencies through the use of improvised stretcher resting on the back of a horse; “E-txt C Doc†project, which allowed families to have consultation and prescriptions via text any time of the day; and “E-Health Center†where free medicines are available.
Despite the difficulties, quitting was never an option for Cagape for this is where he finds fulfillment and happiness.
He does not regret dedicating his life to the indigent Filipinos in GenSan and Sarangani because seeing them having access to health services is the best reward he gets from sharing a part of himself with the community.