Novo Vizcayano to lead RP med team to Iraq

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya — A Novo Vizcayano doctor will lead the 60-man humanitarian medical mission which the Philippines will send to post-war Iraq.

President Arroyo chose Dr. Cirilo Galindez, director of the Veterans Regional Hospital here, from a list of nominees to lead the Iraq-bound Philippine medical contingent.

Health Secretary Manuel Dayrit recommended the designation of the 49-year-old Galindez, who hails from Aritao town.

The Galindez-led medical group — to be composed of 20 nurses, 20 paramedics and 20 doctors of different specializations — will be part of the 175-man Philippine contingent, which will include police and military personnel.

Galindez, who rose from a village doctor to become the chief of one of the biggest government hospitals in Cagayan Valley, said he is proud of being chosen to lead an elite group of medical workers "for such a humanitarian purpose."

He admitted though that his family, including his brother who is a member of the US Navy, was opposed to his going to Iraq, aware of threats of post-war terrorist activities because of prevailing anti-American sentiments there.

But Galindez is unfazed. "This is a very rare opportunity. This is a call of duty. I will take the challenge despite my family’s opposition to it. God will take care of me there."

Galindez, who took up medicine at the University of the East, said the Philippine medical team would work with their counterparts from the US-led "coalition of the willing" for at least six months.

He said they would be stationed either inside Iraq or in adjacent Middle East countries like Qatar or Kuwait.

As team leader of the Philippine medical contingent, Galindez will receive a compensation of $500 a month, excluding a meal allowance of $3.50 per meal.

The other team members, he said, will also receive almost the same compensation.

Galindez is scheduled to leave for Iraq on June 9, while the main Philippine delegation will depart on June 15.