A good man makes a world of difference.
“One humble tribute scribbled at the back of the guest list to Dr. Juan Flavier’s wake underscored just how far-reaching Flavier’s programs were,” reports InterAksyon.com.
In fact, the report said Flavier’s youngest son, James, “was so moved by the letter that he snapped a picture of it and posted it on his Facebook page.”
The post was accompanied by an introductory note from James, which read: “Dad is a person who touched the lives of many. They quietly arrived at Dad’s wake, spent a few moments by his side and, just as quietly, left. One of them left this note in the guest book.”
The letter, which was from a young woman named Sandra Magalang, expressed how grateful she is for Oplan Sagip Mata, a program Flavier pushed almost 20 years ago.
The report explained: “Flavier launched Oplan Sagip Mata soon after 1993’s landmark national immunization campaign, Oplan Alis Disease. Sagip Mata was mounted in response to the massive scourge of blindness in the Philippines. Resources for the Blind (www.blind.org.ph) says up to 100 Filipino children lose their eyesight every week.”
The report then revealed: “UP Law professor JJ Disini, in a comment on the post, acknowledged that ‘Sandra Magalang is the Salutatorian of UP Law, 2014. She just finished taking the Bar Exams.'”
Magalang said what she has achieved would not be possible without Flavier’s help.
We’re reposting the text of the letter:
To the family and loved ones of Dr. Flavier.
I apologize for writing at the back of this guest list, but this is the only way I can think of to convey my gratitude to your family and to Dr. Flavier.
My life was changed by his Oplan Sagip Mata almost 20 years ago, and thanks to this great man I was able to live differently despite being born cross-eyed and poor. Without him, I could not have achieved the honors I have achieved, and his health programs have helped me reach places I never thought I would. I even graduated summa cum laude from this university, and this is all thanks to your great father/grandfather/loved one.
Thank you, and my deepest condolences.
Sincerely,
Sandra Magalang, UP Diliman 2010, 2014
Photos: File photo (Flavier) and James Flavier (Sandra Magalang’s note)
