Philanthropist and eye surgeon Ars Lagasca Ngaosi-Mondiguing, a Kankana-ey from Mankayan, Benguet, has initiated a life-saving project that she hopes will be replicated in the entire nation to ease the burden of the country’s economy.
Mondiguing is currently spearheading the “Hangin ko, buhay mo”’ project that targets to source 100 tanks of 50-pound oxygen tanks complete with individual oxygen regulators and 10 nasal cannulas per regulator.
Mondiguing acknowledged the project is a herculean task, considering that the pandemic has been going on for two years now, but she is hoping with the support of her family, relatives, friends, and batchmates at Saint Louis University and Lepanto National High School, among other supporters, the project will be realized.
The Baguio Eye Laser Center Inc. and Baguio Eye Doctor’s Clinic were the first to pledge support for the project.
Mondiguing said the city government is on the right track in its response against the pandemic but the city could not do it alone, thus support from the public, especially from the private sector, is also needed during these ordinary times.
The Junior Chamber International (JCI) Baguio Sunflower is the lead non-government organization tapped by Mondiguing for the project.
JCI is now in communication with the Apl.De.Ap Foundation and Bibak International hoping to get more than 100 tanks. If the project proponents can source more than the initial target, then they can go the extra mile of sharing the tanks to the other hospitals in the Cordillera, according to Mondiguing.
Mondiguing said they have already ordered oxygen cylinders from a supplier and these are expected to arrive in the country by the end of the month.
All oxygen cylinders will be filled with oxygen in Manila before it will be brought up to Baguio City. There will be a turnover to the city government for proper and equal distribution to the different isolation centers.
“Inasmuch as we want to control this pandemic, we expect an increase in upper respiratory tract infections, rhinitis or colds and so does Covid-19 during the coming cold months until February next year, hence the people behind the project is running after time,” said Mondiguing, who is a Civil Service awardee.
Interested parties can forward cash donations to JCI Baguio Sunflower Inc. checking account at the China Bank Savings along Session Road, Baguio City with account number 607000002234.
Donors are requested to email a photo or copy of their transaction receipt at [email protected] for accounting and transparency.
All donors will be furnished a copy of the accounting after the activity. – Press release
