Siamese twins undergoing observation

BAGUIO CITY — Kalinga’s Siamese twins Rachel and Lea Grace Awel are now undergoing observation at the Philippine Children’s Medical Center in Quezon City.

But their parents, Andy and Marietta Awel, are crossing their fingers, hoping that Good Samaritans will help them raise the amount needed for an extensive operation.

In an earlier statement, Edgardo Manda, general manager of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), said President Arroyo would pay for the operation and medicine expenses of the twins.

In 2000, Mrs. Arroyo also assisted Siamese twins from Buguias, Benguet.

"President Arroyo has strict orders to do everything to help ensure the safety of the twins," Manda said.

Up to now, the Awels have no idea how much is needed for the extensive operation for their children, according to Kalinga Gov. Macario Duguiang, who is personally assisting the couple.

"I was informed by the doctors that the twins will undergo observation before they will be subjected to a CT scan anytime from tomorrow to Friday," Duguiang said in a statement.

Dr. Marlyn Duyan, head of the Kalinga Provincial Hospital’s pediatrics department, said prospects of a normal life for the twins, who were born last July 1, are "bright" because X-ray results show that although they are conjoined in the abdominal area and share a single navel, they have independent sets of vital organs.

Duyan said the twins, whose combined weight at birth was 4.24 kilos (the average normal weight of a baby is 2.5 kilos), were feeding well and were not affected by any infections.

Good Samaritans may reach Gov. Duguiang at 0920-6046243.