Written by Femina Laya Canua, Writer, Operation Blessing Philippines
If distance is a big hindrance for many to do volunteer works, 12 hours of travel, for Dr. Darwin, is just a short time if you really have a desire to serve.
In Isabela province, Dr. Darwin Gaba lives with his wife and 2 children and manages a dental clinic near their place. Whenever there is a need for volunteers and his time permits, Dr. Darwin undoubtedly travels for many hours until he gets to Operation Blessing office in Pasig City to join the mission trips.
Dr. Darwin helps in carrying medical supplies for the medical mission.
First Volunteer Work
The dentist started volunteering in Operation Blessing Philippines in 2015 when Typhoon Lando hit North Luzon.
“I have already heard of Operation Blessing when they came to help in our province in Isabela during the typhoon [last 2015],” Dr. Darwin continued, “with a desire to give back and help, I searched for them on the internet and found out about signing up for volunteering. So I signed up.”
Dr. Darwin, with Dr. Rommell, extracts a tooth from a patient in Batangas province.
“The typhoon was then devastating La Union when I got an invite from an OB Staff, but still I decided to come,” he added.
After his first mission work with Operation Blessing, he also got involved with the missions in Rizal, Bolinao, and Tingloy Island in Batangas, where he greatly saw the needs of the people.
“I consider this as a thanksgiving to the Lord. For all the blessings that I have in my profession and my family, even if the mission is in a far-flung area, I will join them,” Dr. Darwin stated.
‘No One Has Ever Become Poor in Giving’
Dr. Darwin had a selfie with his patient at the medical mission site.
Dr. Darwin also encourages others to join Operation Blessing Philippines, “We usually think that if we volunteer, it will take a lot of our time, it will consume our resources, but I can testify that if you give from your heart, whatever you can give – may it be your talent, time, resources – you will receive more in return.”
“And the happiness you will experience is genuine,” he added.
We challenge you to do something different this year – something out of your comfort zone. Be a blessing to others! Partner with us, www.obphil.com. Visit our Facebook and Twitter pages.
