SINCE October, I could not find the right time to avail of the booster shot for Covid-19. Due to my hectic schedule at work, it seems impossible to have it done before the new year. When I heard about a vaccination scheduled on December 29, 2021 at Davao Masonic, I did not hesitate to come as early as 6:30 in the morning.
I was expecting an unarranged venue since it is still early, but the area is very clean and proper. I also felt welcomed and we were provided with a safe and comfortable waiting place. I was skeptical about the process since I could not see the actual vaccination area.
But when we were asked to get inside so our vital signs could be checked, I noticed all the staff smiling, energetic, and accommodating. Even those assigned to take my blood pressure took the time to do it, making sure it is correct. And I would know if the proper assessment were done because I am also a nurse.
While waiting for my name encoding and counseling turn, I saw that all the people waiting for their turns were not uneasy but comfortable. I think the airconditioned area made the environment less stressful. I can hear some saying “Kulbaan man ko,” but I find the staff very supportive, helping anxious clients be calm and ready for vaccination.
As I watched all of these, I asked someone from the team. “Sino kaya organizers dito? Galing ng serbisyo.” I was told that the organizers were composed of health volunteers, most of them members of Davao Masonic.
While waiting for my turn, I took the chance to ask a few people there about Davao Masonic. I learned that Masonic comes from the term “Freemasonry” or “Masonry” referring to a civic movement promoting fraternity and good works – “a brotherhood of men, under the fatherhood of God.” And because I was amazed at them serving the community even with the pandemic, taking the risk just to help people, I became more interested in them.
I also get to know that Miguel Simon, Feliciano Inigo, Antonio Feliciano, Bruno Gempesaw, Ruperto del Castillo, Celestino Chaves, Teodoro Palma Gil, Jose Madrazo, Juan Sarenas, Manuel Jabson, Gregorio Gatchalian, Jose Puyat, Capt. Federico Cava, Engr. Figueroa, Juan Posadas, Jr., and Rev. Julius Augur were the first known Masonic members in Davao City. And interestingly, most of the streets in the city were named after them.
My amazement did not end with that information. As I was in the waiting area immediately after my vaccination for monitoring, again, my curiosity strikes. This time, I am glad to speak to Dr. Abe Jun Versoza, Medical Director of Bakunang Mason. He said that their vaccination campaign started as early as August 13 to 15, and then August 18 to 21, 2021.
Their passion for serving did not end there. When the Department of Health approved the vaccination of teenagers from 12 to 17 years old. Davao Mason was passionate about participating in its implementation. Online caucuses again began for the planning, restocking of supplies, solicitation for volunteers, and pledges for financial and other support for the realization of the Program. Amazing that the Bakunang Mason Program has already administered a total of 14,505 doses of vaccines from August of last year until the present.
Wow, I hope to be a part of it in time. Indeed, I am grateful for the Davao Masonic community service and the Department of Health. I am proud to say that I am one of its recipients who have witnessed its genuine and caring service. And hurray to Dr. Abe Jun Versoza; Dexter Ng, Masonic District R11-A- Chair Masonic Center Foundation; Albert Encarnation, District Deputy Grandmaster and Officers; Demolay Sons and Jobs Daughters; and to all who were a part of the “Bakunang Mason Program.”