‘Tribe Doctor/Cancer Patient’ Named Bayaning Pilipino

Not even the pain she constantly tries to endure from her Stage 4 cancer can stop Dr. Welthy Villanueva from crossing from one river to another, just to render medical aid to some of the country’s most remote tribes. With Villanueva’s relentless and selfless commitment to the needy, she truly deserves to be hailed as this year’s Gawad Geny Lopez Jr. Bayaning Pilipino Individual awardee.

This January 9 on Sunday’s Best after Star Power, witness as Villanueva and other Bayaning Pilipino awardees gratefully receive their prestigious honors, leaving a promise to continue their vocation of serving their fellowmen.

In her speech, the lady physician/cancer patient said she “never sacrificed anything” in her job for it is her “passion” and “purpose in life.” She points out that compared to what the Lord has done to save humanity, her sufferings are nothing.

“It was the Lord who gave his life for us. Who am I, among the millions of doctors in this world whom God can call out from nowhere to serve him? He is the most awesome God. You can just imagine me being called by an awesome God to serve him. That is such an honor,” Villanueva said in an interview after the awards night.

Villanueva will never retire. With conviction, she said “I will die if I don’t do it.” With the prize money she received, she plans to further extend medical services now to the tribal communities she has not reached yet.

“A very big portion of the prize money will go to the work that we have endeavored to start and continue until the end… Right now, we have talks for partnership in feeding not only this community we’re currently helping but as well as the people in the South—in Palawan and other tribal people,” Villanueva revealed.

ABS-CBN Chairman and CEO Gabby Lopez and ABS-CBN President Charo Santos-Concio personally gave the awards to considered heroes of today. Hosted by fearless broadcast journalist Anthony Taberna and celebrities Nikki Gil and Robi Domingo, the night paid tribute to the invaluable heroism modern Filipinos have exemplified.

Philippines’ prime performers Vina Morales, Noel Cabangon, Carol Banawa, Bituin Escalante, Gary Granada and Erik Santos, together with world champion UST singers, induced Filipino spirit with their heartwarming performances.

Never miss the much-awaited Gawad Geny Lopez Jr. Bayaning Pilipino Awards on January 9, Sunday’s Best, after Star Power on ABS-CBN.