The Maglaya Medical-Legal Missions, Inc. also known as "MMLM" is a non-profit organization based in the US, duly recognized by Clark County and the State of Nevada with an Entity Number E0571732015-8. More importantly, MMLM is now a duly recognized Non-profit entity under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 501 (c) (3) with EIN 81-0824827, effective December 8, 2015. With this distinction, donors and benefactors can now tax write off their contribution/donation to MMLM.

 

Although largely US-based, MMLM conducts its services mostly in the Philippines. It is one hundred percent family-run and operated. MMLM's Leadership is as follows:

Cherry B. Maglaya-Lee, MD
President

Atty. Venus B. Maglaya-Taloma
Secretary

Jennifer Feril, RN
Treasurer

 

MMLM was established in 1995 by our parents, Jesus Estalilla Maglaya, Jr. and Maria Dolores Buack Maglaya, whose vision is the provision of quality and free medical, legal, educational and church-based services. Our first major Medical- Legal Mission took place in our parents' front yard. Then, it was I, my sisters Pinky and Jennifer who did the dirty job. Abigail and Jehan were still in college and it was not until six years later in 2001, when the "Missions" truly became a family affair.

 

In 1996, our Mom had a burning desire to champion the rights of the Mangyan Tribe in Oriental Mindoro. The Full Gospel Pentecostal Church through the Women's Missionary Department, established a satellite church in the Mountains of Kalapan. Potable water systems and livelihood programs were established and sustained. The rest as the saying goes, is history.

 

In 1997, despite our Mom's great debility due to cancer, she was indefatigable each time she climbed the steep slopes. Seeing the Mangyans flourish and empowered became her joy and inspiration. I was with her on that fateful last ascent. Once we reached the summit's landing, I feared the inevitable-half-closed eyes meant she could pass out any moment. And pursed breaths seem to have overcome her. But that moment the brown-eyed, curly haired Mangyan children gathered around her, she lit up as though pallor feared the joy that enveloped her entire body. It was October 19, 1997 when she passed away. For although she didn't fully witness the fruits of her labor, her legacy of selfless servitude resonates to this day and for all time.

 

To continue Mama's legacy was a big challenge. Two weeks before passing on, she made us all promise to continue the work that laid before her. The following morning, she requested to only speak with me. Alone. She must have sensed my half-heartedness. Admittedly, I wore it on my sleeves.

Our Father, Tang Isung "carried the torch" after Mama's passing, so to speak. But truth be told that he was the one who truly began a revolution. A revolution of spirited elan, purity of heart, genuine servitude without expecting anything back. He was at his best even if it meant giving the last centavo to an ailing child. At best, he was a cheerful giver. At worst, he defended the underdog and didn't care if he stood alone in a swarm of bees. He designed his life that showcased love, generosity, kindness and gratitude.

I don't even come close.

 

By 2002, Abigail and Jehan finally finished their chosen courses and started to join Pinky and I render medical-legal services. Even for those fleeting moments, we served, no matter how little impact our services may have had on people's lives. We all tried our best to rekindle the fire of community service. But we also knew in our heart of hearts that with Mama's passing, MMLM was never the same again. As if adding insult to injury, I migrated to the United States in 2002 to find my niche.

 

Meanwhile, Tang Isung and now, with the assistance of our Stepmother, Nang Elvie concentrated his efforts at supporting church activities. As a couple they furthered the cause of the small pastors and supported churches in the far-flung places. Provision of conceivably significant things from church pews, bags of cement or plants. For the next 15 years until our Father's passing in 2014, his life became inextricably entwined with the church and serving the Lord.

 

Shortly after Papa's passing, my siblings and I unanimously decided to continue our parents' legacy- "Community Service with a Heart." We joined forces and emblazoned the core and trail of this battlecry. In all honesty, it was the most significantly profound bond that we ever had as siblings. There are now six flame keepers and torch bearers. Avelyn, our stepsister came in sixth priority but her role now and especially in the future is much too important to be downplayed. She is our future Pharmacist. Six months from now to be exact. Despite the odds and very unsettling health issues that plagued Jennifer, Pinky and myself, it is our unwavering faith in God that brings out the best in us.

In September 2015, the Maglaya Medical-Legal Missions conducted a week-long Medical-Legal services. It was in full force. We formally re-launched the Missions by first honoring the memory of our parents in the hopes to perpetuate their individual legacies. The following were awarded to deserving individuals in the following categories:

1. The Jesus "Isung" E. Maglaya, Jr. Exemplary Citizen was awarded to Dr. Conrado A. Vito for his many years of selfless medical servitude to the Caba townspeople,

 

2. The Maria Dolores B. Maglaya Teacher of the Year was awarded to Master Teacher II Rosario V. Camacho (Posthumous) for being a true disciple of mentorship. Award was received by one of her teacher daughters, Madam Elvira Camacho-Abrew,

 

3. Innovation in Community Organizing is a Special Award given to Errol Abrew and Manuel "Boyet" Castillones, Jr. for establishing Caba at Present "CAP." CAP inspired Caba and other communities to work together to achieve common goals through Social Media such as Facebook and other platforms. Awardees were each given trophies and modest cash award.

 

Another endeavor worth mentioning is the official launching of "The Reverend Clemente and Asuncion Balangue Indigency Program" during which, dry goods and money were distributed to 150 indigent families in Brgy. Sobredillo by Ms. Elizabeth Difuntorum and Ms. Paz Duque of Waipahu, Hawaii. Both women funded the endeavor. Also, through the auspices of the Waipahu Full Gospel Temple, there was mass feeding for three nights following church service. There were three nights of spiritual renewal. Our parents won't have it any other way. Esteemed Reverends and Pastors graced the revival nights, led by Reverend Daniel Picar, Revival Warrior Pastor Rod Cartas, Pastor Rose Castillones and Sister Vicky Cabutotan.

 

The culminating activity was the circumcision of 40 pre-teens and teenagers aged 6 to 13 in Brgy Sobredillo, nearby communities and towns in La Union. In addition, MMLM offered the following services:
1. free ECGs and interpretation, blood chemistries, simple head and neck procedures
2. prescribed full courses of antibiotics and provided a month's course of medications for chronic illnesses such as Diabetes, Hypertension, Hyperlipidemia, Cardiomyopathies among others.

All in all, consults totaled to 634 patients in 5 days: 211 pediatrics, 45 legal clients and the rest are adults.

 

Six siblings: Cherry, Pinky, Jennifer, Abigail Balangue, Jehan Maglaya, Avelyn Cartas Bumatay.

 

Brothers in law: Jim, Jojo Taloma and Ronald Feril.

 

Sons and daughters: Aj, Joy Rose, Jam, Vince, Sinjin Joshua, Dos Alagar, Joshua and Baby Bettina.

One and only one stepmother, Nang Elvira Cartas Maglaya

 

Seven Volunteer Medical Doctors:
Minda Siasoco, Milagros Mariya, Ma Judy Nieto, Meo G. Santos-Cao, Gabby De Guzman, Jehan Maglaya and Cherry Maglaya Lee

 

Two Volunteer Lawyers, Atty. Venus Maglaya-Taloma, Atty. Terence Jojo Taloma

One Volunteer Service-oriented Fraternity/Sorority Alpha Phi Omega, Alpha Phi Chapter through Sorority Sister Kim Cachero at the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center (UERMMMC)

Volunteer Nurse Cousins and friends: Auntie Clarina Haber, Maejo Maglaya Dugena, Shirleen Joy Maglaya Delfin, Mary Cindy Maglaya Delfin, Rizza Mae, Sheryl Mauricio Sobredo, Nadine Mauricio Burgos, Susanalyn P. Gamit, Jonathan Sadik Gatchalian Maglaya, John Hidalgo

More Volunteer Cousins and Friends: Auntie Rose, Manang Cely, Mildred Oligo, Katkat, Zarah Cuasay, Sherdela Joy, Keith Haber, Alyssa, MonMon, Edmond, Badas, Racquel, Dean, Gerald Bacalzo and Teacher Pongpong.

It took more than a community to carry on our parents' legacy. We have only begun. But there is one thing certain, MMLM is here to stay.

 

The best is yet to come and always, in God's perfect time.