May you rest in peace, Severino Reginio

Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of our dear batchmate in Our Mother of Perpetual Succor Academy (Ompsa), Severino Reginio. He passed away last March 1, 2017 at the age of 29.

His remains lie in state at No. 445 Sitio Niyugan, San Felipe, Padre Garcia, Batangas. His body will be brought to his final resting peace in Batangas this Tuesday or Wednesday.

Those batch who are near the area, you are encourage to visit his wake. Those who are in Manila, who are planning to visit, do let me know.

Condolences from OMPSA Batch 2005.

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#JusticeForDrey: Justice for Doctor to the Barrio

I know a hero. His name is Dreyfuss Perlas. Medical doctor. Master in Public Management. Martyr.

Despite hailing from Aklan, he was deployed half a country away to Lanao del Norte - terra incognita for most of us. However, while many of us moved on to other professional endeavors after our two-year MHO stint, he chose to stay in the rural community he served. The community he grew to love.

Dreyfuss is the product of three prestigious state institutions. With his credentials, training, and natural charisma, he could've chosen any number of ways to enrich himself elsewhere. Yet he chose to continue working in the grassroots, among the poorest of the poor.

And now he is dead. Shot dead while riding home after coming from a medical mission.

Our rural poor communities are in desperate need of doctors. Dr. Perlas was a rarity, having both the competencies and demeanor suited for a career in public health. People like Drey represent an immense value to our society, and the compensation he received for this is a bullet to the heart.

People, this is what true heroism is like. There are plenty of other people like Dreyfuss all over the country, working among the poorest of the poor, even though personal development, self-preservation, and common sense should advise otherwise.

If standing on the receiving end of a bitter old man's tirades in EDSA warrants official recognition from our government, couldn't we at least grant the same recognition to our true heroes? Shouldn't we look at their lives, hear their stories, and see what can be done so they can fulfill their calling without giving up their lives?

I join the call for #justicefordrey. Dreyfuss, your memory will always be cherished and your legacy will always be honored.

Source and courtesy of Jorrel Vincent Valdez

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